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KNOWLEDGE. 







I 



LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


TO 


KNOWLEDGE. 


BY MISS R. N. WEBSTER, 


LONDON. 



UTICA, N. Y. 

CURTISS & WHITE, PRINTERS, Ul GENESEE STREET. 

1865 . 









VN 

flCri» r . • ' ' j 


Kntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, 

’ BY MISS R. N. WEBSTER, 

In rhe Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Northern District 

of New York. 


3 ) y X / 





NOTE. 


The following pages were compiled by Miss R. N. Webster, an emi¬ 
nent Christian lady, formerly from Whitesboro, and a student of Whites- 
town Seminary, Oneida county, more recently Principal of a Female 
Seminary, in Elmira, Chemung county; at present a teacher in London. 
The work comprises One Hundred and Thirty-Nine Articles. Among 
other things it contains the Principal Events from the Creation to the 
Birth of Christ. It is designed for schools and families, as seen from its 
heading, “Little Stepping Stones to Knowledge.” 


Russia, Herkimer, Co., N. Y. 


M. M. SMART. 


INDEX. 


♦ 


1. Eleatic Sect. 

2. Elgin Marbles. 

3. Holy Alliance. 

4. Mausoleum. 

6. Maunday-Thursday. 

6. Inquisition. 

7. Venice. 

8. Ichneumon. 

9. Cow Tree. 

10. The Cypress Tree. 

11. Jet. 

12. The Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. 

13. The Pyramids of Egypt. 

14. The Council of Trent. 

15. The Edict of Nantes. 

16. Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. 

17. The Quietists. 

18. The City of Rome Founded. 

19. The Seven Hills of Rome. 

20. The Seven Kmgs of Rome. 

21. The Seven Wise Men of Greece. 

22. The Seven Sciences. 

23. The Seven Wonders of the World. 

24. The Seven Cities which contended for the birth of Homer. 

25. Seven Orders of Architecture. 

26. The Cinque Ports. 

27. The Nine Muses. 

28. The Four Great Battles in which Hannibal defeated the Romans. 

29. Orders of Knighthood. 

30. Ancient Monarchies. 

31. The Three Great Battles of Alexander 

32. The Seven Churches of Asia. 

33. The Twelve Cmsars. 

34. The Twelve Apostles. 

35. The Five Books of Moses. 

36. The Twelve Sons of Jacob. 

37. The Figure of Britannia. 

38. Cardamons. 

39. Bergamot. 

40. The Two most valuable Libraries of the Ancients. 

41. The Egyptian Labyrinth. 

42. Lapsis-Cuguli. 

43. Parian Marble. 

44. The Seven Sacraments of the Romish Church. 



INDEX, 


111 


45. Battle of Charonea. 

46. The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World. 

47. The Fathers of the Reformation. 

48. The Latin Fathers. 

49. The Greek Fathers. 

50. The Apostolic Fathers. 

61. The Founder of Swiss Liberty. 

62. The Nine Worthies of the World. 

63. The Twelve Great Epochs. 

54. Pragmatic Sanction. 

65. Six Grand Epochs in the History of England. 

66. The Eight Principal Metals. 

67. Four Grecian Games. 

58. The Three Creeds. 

59. Jansenism. 

60. Isthmian Games. 

61. Ionic Philosophers. 

62. The Crusades. 

63. Curfew Bell. 

64. Cynics. 

65. The Emerald. 

66. The Mask. 

67. Chimera. 

68. Palladium. 

69. Panic. 

70. Hydra. 

71. Higiographa. 

72. Parasite. 

73. Mythology. 

74. The Arundel Marbles. 

75. The Sea-Kings. 

76. Ancient Kings of Egypt. 

77. Erastianism. 

78. The Mamlukes. 

79. The Saxons as Heathen. 

80. Latin. 

81. The Rosetta Stone. 

82. The Rasicrusians. 

83. Nicene Creed. 

84. Alhambra. 

85. Altar. 

86. Steel Pens. 

87. Stoics. 

88. Amazons. 

89. Cycle. 

90. Epithets. 

91. English Sovereigns. 

92. Benedictines. 

93. The Goths. 

94. Jubilee. 

95. Shoes. 

96. The Ear of Dionysius. 

97. The Ancient Names of the Countries of Europe. 


VI 


INDEX. 


98. The Druids. 

99. The Saxon Heptarchy. 

100. Peter’s Pence. 

101. Trial by Ordeal. 

102. Doomsday Book. 

103. Magna Cliarta. 

104. Cards. 

105. Knights of Rhodes. 

106. Antiquities of England. 

107. The Five Greatest Philosophers England has Produced. 

108. The Test Act. 

109. Toleration Act. 

110. The Bill of Rights. 

111. Ides and Nones. 

112. The Roman Months. 

113. The Tsaltsalya. 

114. The Four Hills of Jerusalem. 

115. The Inventions of Rome. 

116. Hanseatic League. 

117. Hospitallers. 

118. Essenes. 

119. The Twelve Labors of Hercules. 

120. Aluminum. 

121. Pharos of Alexandria. 

122. The Achaean League. 

123. The Septuagint Version of the Bible. 

124. Agrarian Law. 

125. Kiask. 

126. Kufie. 

127. The Escurial. 

128. Shrove Tuesday. 

129. Ash-Wednesday. 

130. Ascension Day. 

131. Witena-Gemot. 

132. Wars. 

133. Sicilian Vespers. 

134. The Saracens. 

135. Sappho. 

136. Latin Words. 

137. Colossus of Rhodes. 

188. Additions'. 

139. Principal Events from the Creation to the Birth of Christ. 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES. 


1. Eleatic Sect. 

Founded by Xenophanes, the philosopher of Colo¬ 
phon. He had been banished to Sicily on account of his 
wild theory of God and Nature, and his sect originated 
there. This theorist supposed that the stars were extin¬ 
guished every morning, and rekindled at night; thateclijT- 
ses were occasioned by a partial extinction of the sun, that 
there were several suns and moons for the convenience of 
the different climates of the earth. Xenophanes died 458 
B. C. 

2. Elgin Marbles. 

These admirable works were derived chiefly from the 
Parthenon, a temple of Minerva in the Acroplis of Athens, 
of which they formed part of the frieze and pediment, 
built by Phidias about 500 B. C. Lord Elgin began the 
collection of these marbles during his mission to the Otto¬ 
man Porte, in 1802. They were purchased of him by the 
British Government for £36,000 and placed in the British 
Museum, in 1816. 

3. Holy Alliance. 

This famous league, so called, between the Emperors 
of Russia and Austria, and the King of Prussia, by which 
they ostensibly bound themselves, among other things, to 
be governed by Christian principles, in all their political 
transactions and future conduct, with a view to perpetua¬ 
ting the peace they had achieved and enjoyed. This 
alliance was ratified at Paris, September 26, 1815. 

4. Mausoleum. 

Artemisia, sister and wife of Mausolus, married her 
own brother, famous for his personal beauty. She was so 
fond of her husband, that at his death she drank in her 
liquor his ashes after his body had been burned, and erected 
to his memory a monument, which, for its grandeur and 



4 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


magnificence, was called one of the seven wonders of the 
world. This monument she called Mausoleum, a name 
which has been given to all monuments of unusual splendor. 
It was erected, 357 B. C. 

5. Maundy-Thursday. 

It was instituted by Edward III, at a jubilee held by 
him when fifty years of age, 1363, A. D. The word is 
derived from Maund, a hand-basket, in which the King 
was accustomed, to give alms to the poor. Many think 
the word derived from dies mandati , the day on which 
our Saviour gave his great mandate, that we should love 
one another. On this day it was the custom of the Kings 
of England, (or their almoners,) to give alms, and feed and 
clothe as many poor men as they were years old. It is the 
Thursday before Good-Friday. 

6. The Inquisition. 

In the year 1480, Isabella, Queen of Spain, from a 
mistaken notion of piety, yielded to the urgent persuasions 
of her confessor, and sanctioned the introduction of that 
dreadful tribunal, the inquisition, which proved such a tre¬ 
mendous engine of ecclesiastical tyranny. 

7. Venice. 

In the fourth century when Attila, King of the Huns, 
(who was called the Scourge of God,) ravaged the northern 
parts of Italy, many of the inhabitants fled to the Islands 
of the Adriatic Sea. As these islands are near each other, 
they ingeniously joined them together by driving huge 
piles into the water, upon which they built houses, churches, 
and by degrees the city of Venice. There are several 
bridges, but one in particular is new and splendid, the 
Rialto, which is built over the grand canal, and is nineteen 
feet wide, and built of marble. The ducal palace is also 
built of marble, and is extremely large. Under the por¬ 
ticoes in front of the palace, are lions gaping to receive 
letters of accusation against any persons who spoke disre¬ 
spectfully of the government: but that government is now 
changed. When Venice was governed by a Doge, a cere¬ 
mony used to take place on Ascension day, expressive of 
the sovereignty of the Venetians over the sea, amidst great 
pomp, and attended by a concourse of people, the Doge 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


5 


dropped a ring into the sea, and it was proclaimed his bride. 

8. The Ichneumon. 

It is a quadruped found in Egypt and Asia. It is 
highly prized on account of its being the natural enemy of 
the Serpent race. It will light the most venomous of them, 
seize them by the throat, and hold them until they are dead. 
It also digs for the eggs of the crocodile and kills and de¬ 
vours great numbers of its young. It received divine hon¬ 
ors from the Egyptians, and used to go about their houses 
tame like our cat. 

9. The Cow Tree * 

It grows in Columbia in America, on the side of a 
barren rock. Its branches appear dry and shrivelled, but 
when the trunk is pierced there flows forth a sweet and 
nourishing milk. It is abundant at sunrise, when the na¬ 
tives hasten from all parts with large bowls to receive it. 

10. The Cypress Tree. 

It is a dark evergreen tree which takes its name from 
the Isle of Cyprus in the Mediterranean ; and it was con¬ 
secrated to Pluto. Branches were placed before the doors 
where persons of rank lay dead. It was of a pale reddish 
color and highly prized. The Temple of Diana at Ephesus 
had doors made of this w'ood, and at 400 years old they 
were as good as new. 

11. Jet. 

The origin of Jet is Well known to be vegetable, for 
many instances have occurred in which one-half of the 
trunk of a tree has retained its natural character, while the 
other has been converted into Jet. It is frequently thrown 
up by the waves on the Eastern coast of England. 

12. The Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. 

The University of Cambridge consists of thirteen col¬ 
leges and four halls, besides the senate-house and libraries. 
The University of Oxford is one of the most celebrated in 
the world, having twenty colleges and five halls provided 
with excellent libraries. They differ from schools in being 
regulated by established laws, and authorized to admit 
such as have studied in it to certain branches of science. 
a2 


6 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


In most Universities there are four branches of study, 
theology or divinity, law, physic, and the arts and sciences, 
to which some add music. In each of these there are two 
degrees called Bachelor and Doctor, though in the English 
Universities, there is no such degree as Doctor of Arts 
and Sciences; but Master of Arts, corresponds to the de¬ 
gree of Doctor in Philosophy. 

13. The Pyramids of Egypt. 

The three principal pyramids have existed more than 
3000 years, near the spot where Memphis formerly stood, 
and where Grand Cairo now is. The height of one is 696 
English feet, its base cover is more than eleven acres of 
ground. It is generally supposed these pyramids were 
designed for sepulchres for the dead. The true design of 
them seems to have arisen from the Egyptian theology, 
which taught its votaries, that so long as the body was 
preserved from decay, the soul continued in it, and hence 
the curious precaution of the Egyptians to secure the pre¬ 
servation of the bodies of their deceased friends. 

14. The Council of Trent. 

It began in 1545, and lasted eighteen years, being 
opened by Paul III, and closed by Pius IY, 1563. Its 
object was to correct, illustrate and fix, with precision and 
perspicuity, the doctrine of the church, to restore the vigor 
of its discipline, and to reform the lives of its ministers. 
Its decrees, together with the Creed of Pius IY, (which 
is only a summary of those decrees,) form the present rule 
of faith of the Roman Church. Trent, the ancient Triden- 
tum, is in Lombardy. 

15. The Edict of Nantes. 

It was issued by Henry IY, of France, 1598, to pro¬ 
tect the protestants in his dominions from the fury of their 
catholic brethren. 

16. Pevocation of the Edict of Nantes. 

It was revoked in 1685, by Louis XIY. By this pro¬ 
ceeding, he took from his protestant subjects all those priv¬ 
ileges and securities which had been granted by Henry IY. 
The issue was that he lost the greater part of his artists in 
silk, lace and other valuable manufactures, who fled to 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


7 


Prussia, England, and other countries, and enriched them 

by their skill, to the detriment of France. 

/ 

17. The Quietists. 

Molinds, a Spanish Priest, having published his “Spir¬ 
itual Guide,” 1681, wherein he spoke of the possibility of 
bringing the soul to a degree of perfection which he called 
the “Unitine Life,” had many followers. His principal 
tenet was, that the purity of religion consisted in an inter¬ 
nal silent meditation and recollection of the merits of Christ, 
and the mercies of God. One of the chief propagators of 
Quietism in France, was Madame Guyon, a woman remark¬ 
able for goodness of heart, and regularity of life, but fond 
of attending to the suggestions of a warm and unbridled 
fancy. 

18. The city of Rome founded B. C. 753, destroyed A. D. 
474. 

19. The Seven Ilills on which Rome was Built. 

Palatinus, Capitolinus, Aventinus, Yiminalis, Esqui- 
linus, Coelius, Quirinalis. 

20. The Seven Kings of Rome. 

Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus 
Martins, Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullus, Tarquinius 
Superbus. 

21. The Seven Wise Men of Greece. 

Thales, Solon, Chilo, Pittacus, Bias, Cleobulus, Peri- 
ander. 

22. The Seven Sciences. 

Grammar, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Logic, Geography, 
Astronomy, Music. 

23. The Seven Wonders of the World. 

The Colossus of Rhodes, The Ivory Statue of Jupiter 
Olympius, The Mausoleum of Mausolus, The Pyramids of 
Egypt, The Walls and Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The 
Temple of Diana at Ephesus. Either the Palace of Cyrus, 
King of Media, or the Pharos built of white marble in the 


8 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Bay of Alexandria in which was kept always burning the 
sacred fire visible at the distance of twenty miles. 

24. The Seven Cities which contended for the birth of 
Ilomer . 

Smyrna, Colophon, Chios, Argos, Athens, Rhodes, 
Salamis. 

25. The Seven Orders of Architecture 

Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, Composite, Roman, 
Gothic. 

26. The Cinque Ports. 

Dover, Hastings, Sandwich, Romney, Hythe. Three 
have been added, Winchester, Rye, Seaford. 

27. The Nine Muses. 

Calliope, the Muse of Eloquence and Heroic Poetry. 
Clio, of History. Erato, of Amorous Poetry. Enterpe, of 
Music. Melpomene, of Tragedy. Polymnia, of Rhetoric. 
Terpsichore, of Dancing. Thalia, of Comedy and Lyric 
Poetry. Urania, of Astronomy. 

28. The Four Great Battles in which Hannibal defeated 
the Homans. 

Ticinus, Trebia, Thrasymene, Cannae. 

29. Orders of Knighthood. 

The Knights of the Garter, in the Reign of Edward, 
III. The Knights of the Bath, in the reign of Henry IV. 
The Knights of the Thistle, in the reign of Henry VIII. 

30. The Ancient Monarchies. 

The Assyrian or Babylonian, the Persian, the Grecian 
and the Roman. 

m 

31. The Three Great Battles of Alexander. 

The Granicus, the Isis, Arbela. 

32. The Seven Churches of Asia. 

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Phila- 
delphia, Laodicea. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


9 


33. The Twelve Caesars . 

Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, 
Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian. 

34. The Twelve Apostles. 

Simon Peter, James son of Zebedee, John his brother, 
Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James 
son of Alpheus, Judas, Simon the Canaanite and Judas Is¬ 
cariot. 

35. The Five Books of Moses. 

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. 

36. The Tivelve Sons of Jacob or the Patriarchs. 

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Dan, 
Napthali, Gad, Asher, Joseph, Benjamin 

37. The Figure of Britannia. 

The Romans, who recorded all their events on medals, 
cast it to signalize their conquests over Great Britain. 
The warlike nation of Britain is shown by the female’s 
accoutrements. She sits upon a rock, and the waves of the 
sea beat upon her feet. The military genius of her nation 
is shown, by the spear and shield, as also her power to 
defend her rights and her freedom. The lion was after¬ 
wards added to denote the magnanimous character of her 
hardy sons. 

38. Cardamons. 

The seeds of an East Indian plant, which are brought 
into Europe in their pods, and are very valuable for med¬ 
icine. 

39. Bergamot. 

It is a well known perfume made from the rind of the 
Orange, near the town of Bergamo, in Italy, the rind being 
cut into small pieces, and the oil pressed out into glass 
vessels. 

40. The two most valuable Libraries of the Ancients. 

That of Alexandria, collected by the Ptolemais kings 
of Egypt, and the other at Pergamos, collected by Eumenes. 


10 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Mark Antony gave the latter to Cleopatra, and these val¬ 
uable collections were united, and most unfortunately lost 
by being burnt by the Saracens in the year 642. 

41. The Egyptian Labyrinth. 

It seems to have been designed as a Pantheon of all 
the Egyptian deities. It contains 3000 chambers, 1500 of 
which are subterraneous, and set apart, either for the sep¬ 
ulchre of the Kings, or for the abodes of the sacred Croc¬ 
odiles ; it is about thirty miles from the ruins of Arsinoe, 

to the south of Lake Mceris. 

« 

42. Lapis-Lazuli. 

A stone of a beautiful dark color with dots which look 
like golden veins. In Europe it has only been found in 
Germany and among the ruins of Rome, but is chiefly 
found in China, Siberia, Persia and Tartary. 

43. Parian Marble. 

It is considered the purest and most lasting of the 
Marbles, and is found in Paros, an island in the Archipelago. . 
The two most celebrated of Ancient Sculptors, Phidias 
and Praxiteles, were natives of Paros. 

44. The Seven Sacraments of the Pomish Church. 

Baptism, The Lord’s Supper, Confirmation, Ordina¬ 
tion, Penance, Matrimony and Extreme Unction. 

45. The Battles of the Chaeronea. 

The Athenians were defeated by the Boeotians, and 
Tolmidas their General slain, B. C. 447. 

Battle of Chaeronea, in which Greece lost its liberty to 
Philip, B. C. 338. 

Battle of Chaeronea, in which Archelous, Lieutenant 
of Mithridates was defeated by Sylla, and 110,000 Cappado¬ 
cians slain, B. C. 86. 

46. The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World. 

The Battle of Marathon, between the Greeks and 
Persians, 490 B. C. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


11 


The Battle ot Arbela, between Alexander The Great, 
and Darius Codomanus, B. C. 331. 

The Battle of the Metaurus, between the Consular 
Armies of Linius and Nero, B. C. 207. 

The defeat of the Athenians at Syracuse, B. C. 413. 

The victory of Armenius over the Roman Legions 
under Varus, A. D. 9. 

The Battle of Chalons, between Attila, King of the 
Huns, and the united forces of Meroneus and Theodoric, 
A. D. 451. 

The Battle of Tours, between Charles Martel, and the 
Saracens, A. D. 732. 

The Battle of Hastings, between William Duke of 
Normandy, and the English, A. D. 1066. 

Joan of Arc’s victory over the English at Orleans, 
A. D. 1429. 

Defeat of the Spanish Armada, A. D. 1588. 

Battle of Blenheim, between the French and other 
European powers, A. D. 1704. 

Battle of Pultowa, between Russia and Sweden, A. D. 
1709. 

Victory of the Americans over the English, at the 
battle of Saratoga, A. D. 1777. 

Battle of Valmy, between the French and the Prus¬ 
sians, with their Allies, A. D. 1792. 

Battle of Waterloo, between the English and their 
Allies, and the French, A. D. 1815. 


47. The Fathers of the Reformation. 


Huss, Born 

Jerome of Prague, “ 
Tisca, or Tisha, “ 

Wickliffe, 

Martin Luther, “ 

Tindale, “ 

Melancthon, 

Zwinglius or Zwingle, “ 
Erasmus, “ 

Calvin, “ 

Knox, 


1369 

Died, 

1451. 

1360 or 7, 

u 

1416. 

1380 

u 

1424. 

1324 

u 

1384. 

1483 

u 

1546. 

1477 

u 

1536. 

1477 

u 

1560. 

1484 

u 

1531. 

1467 

u 

1536. 

1509 

u 

1564. 

1505 

u 

1572. 


12 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


48. Latin Fathers . 

Lactantius, Hilary, Ambrose, Jerome, Agustine. 

49. Greek Fathers. 

Eusebius, Athanasius, Basil, Gregory, Nazianzen, 
Gregory of Nyssa, Cyril of Jerusalem, Chrysostom, 
Epiphanias, Cyril of Alexandria, and Ephriam the Syrian. 

50. Apostolic Fathers. 

Dionysius, Clemens, Romanus, Ignatius, Justinus, 
Polycarp, together with Theophilus, Irenseus, Clement of 
Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian of Carthage, and 
Gregory. 

51. The Founder of Swiss Liberty. 

William Tell, born 1300, died 1350. 

52. The Nine Worthies of the World. 

There were three Jews, viz: Joshua, David and 

Judas Maccabaeus. Three were Heathens, viz : Hector of 
Troy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar. Three were 
Christians, viz: Arthur of Britain, Charles the Great, or 
Charlemagne of France, and Geoffry of Bouillon. 

53. The Twelve Great Fpochs. 

Adam, or the Creation. Noah, or the Deluge. The 
Call of Abraham. Moses, or the Written Law. The 
taking of Troy. Solomon, or the Foundation of the Tem¬ 
ple. Romulus, or Rome built. Cyrus, or the people of God 
delivered from the captivity of Babylon. Scipio, or Car¬ 
thage Vanquished. The Birth of Christ. Constantine, 
or the Peace of the Church. Charlemagne, or the Estab¬ 
lishment of the New Empire. 

54. Pragmatic Sanction. 

An ordinance relating to the church, and sometimes 
to State affairs ; and at one time particularly the ordinan¬ 
ces of the Kings of France, wherein the rights of the Gal- 
lican church were asserted against the usurpation of the 
Pope in the choice of Bishops. Also the Emperor’s letter 
by advice of his Council in answer to high personages in 
particular contingences. The Pragmatic Sanction for set- 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


13 


tling the Empire of Germany in the House of Austria, A. 
D. 1439. The Emperor Charles VI, published the Prag¬ 
matic Sanction, that in default of male issue, his daugh¬ 
ters should succeed in preference to the sons of his*brother 
Joseph I, and settled his dominions on his daughter Maria 
Theresa. She ascended the throne in 1740, but a war arose, 
in which most of the powers of Europe were engaged. 

55. The Six Grand Epochs in the History of England . 

The Introduction of Christianity. The Roman Con¬ 
quest. The Signing of the Magna Charter, by King John. 
The Reformation. The Revolution. The Restoration. 

56. The Eight Principal Metals. 

Gold, Silver, Platina, Quicksilver or Mercury, Copper, 
Iron, Lead, Tin. 

57. Four Grecian Games. 

The Olympic Games. The Nemean Games. The 
Pythian Games. The Isthmian Games. 

58. Three Creeds. 

Kicene. St. Athanasius. Apostles. 

59. Jansenism. 

This sect was founded by Cornelius Jansen, a prelate 
of great piety and morals, who maintained the Augustine 
Doctrines of free grace, calling it the true Orthodox belief; 
which kindled a controversy in the Romish Church. Jan¬ 
sen was Bishop of Ypres about 1625. 

60. Isthmian Games. 

They received their name from the Isthmus of Corinth, 
and were combats among the Greeks. They were first 
instituted in honor of Melicerta, about 1326 B. C. and re¬ 
instituted in honor of Neptune during the next century. 
They were held so sacred, that even a public calamity 
would not prevent their celebration. 

61. Ionic Philosophers. 

This sect of philosophers distinguished themselves for 
their deep speculations. Their favorite tenet was, that 

B 


14 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


water was the origin of all things. Thales of Miletus was 
the founder, 570 B. C. Anasimandes, Anasimenes, Anas- 
agoras and Archelaus, belonged to this school. 

62. The Crusades. 

They were undertaken by the Christian powers for 
the purpose of rescuing Jerusalem and the Holy Land Irorn 
the Infidels. There were eight Crusades. The first under 
Peter the Hermit, ended in establishing Godfrey de Bou¬ 
illon as King of Jerusalem, 1099. The second, preached 
by St. Bernard in 1146, headed by Conrad II, and Louis 
VII of France. They were defeated, and Jerusalem lost 
1187. The third by Frederick Barbaroesa, Philip II, and 
Richard I, of England, in 1188. It was fruitless. The 
fourth, undertaken by the Emperor Henry VI. in 1195, 
which was successful until his death, 1197. The fifth, 
headed by Count Baldwin, of Flanders, who attacked the 
Greeks and took Constantinople in 1202. The sixth, by 
the Emperor Frederick II, who obtained possession of 
Jerusalem on a truce for ten years, in 1228. The seventh, 
undertaken by Louis IX, (called St. Louis,) who was taken 
prisoner, 1250, ransomed, truce of ten years. The eighth 
and last, by the same Prince, who died on his way of a 
contageous disease at Carthage, in 1270. Other Princes 
followed, among them Edward I. In 1291, the Christians 
were driven out of Syria. 

63. Curfew Bell. 

This was a Norman institution, introduced into Eng¬ 
land in the reign of William I, A. D. 1068. On the ring¬ 
ing of the Curfew Bell, at eight o’clock, all fires and lights 
were put out, under a severe penalty. It was abolished in 
1100. 

64. Cynics. 

These philosophers valued themselves for contemning 
all worldly things, and even all sciences, except morality. 
They did all their actions publicly, and practised the great¬ 
est obscenities without blushing. They generally slept on 
the ground. This sect was founded by Antisthenes, 396 
B. C. 

65. The Emerald. 

A precious stone of a green color, found in the East, 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


15 


and Peru. There is an Emerald in the Museum at Paris, 
taken from the Mitre of Pope Julius II, which is supposed 
to have come from Africa. 

G6. The Mask . 

They are attributed to HCschylus, but Aristotle says, 
both the time and the inventor are unknown. Theatrical 
masks were worn by the Greeks and Romans. Pappgea, 
the wife of Nero, is said to have worn a mask to protect 
her complexion from the sun. Muffs, fans, false hair and 
modern masks, were invented by the Courtesans of Rome, 
and introduced into France and England. 

67. Chimera. 

Chimera was a monster which the Poets feign to have 
had the head of a Lion, the body of a Goat, and the tail 
of a Dragon. This is the foundation of the fable : “There 
was in Lydia a volcano or burning mountain, of this name, 
the top whereof was inhabited only by Lions, the middle, 
having good pastures, was frequented by Goats, and the 
foot being marshy, by Serpents. Bellerophon being the 
first who caused this mountain to be inhabited. It was 
feigned that he slew the Chimera.” Some have supposed 
that the Chimera was a pirate shij), whose bow bore the 
figure of a Lion, her middle that of a Goat, and her stern 
a Serpent. In common language, Chimera denotes a mere 
creature of the imagination. Hence we have the adjective 
chimerical, which means fanciful, as chimerical ideas. 

68. Palladium. 

The word comes from Pallas, the goddess of war and 
wisdom. A statue of Minerva, or Pallas, said to have 
dropped from heaven; and the safety of the city of Troy 
was supposed to depend upon the preservation of this 
statue. The word Palladium is now used as synonymous 
with safeguard : thus it is said, the Habeas Corpus Act, is 
the Palladium of Liberty. 

69. Panic. 

The word signifies “ all.” The imaginary being 
termed the heathen God Pan, was merely an emblem of 
universal nature. The term is used for a needless or ill- 
grounded fright. The most rational account of the origin 

« *3 O O 


16 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


of this expression is the following : Pan was the name of 
a general, who, with a few men, put a numerous enemy to 
the rout, by a noise in a rocky valley, favored by a great 
number of echoes. This stratagem, making their number 
appear much greater than it really was, the enemy quitted 
a very commodious encampment and fled. Hence all ill- 
grounded fears have been called panics, or panic fears. 

70. Hydra. 

A term applied to a monstrous kind of water-serpent) 
said to have several heads. It is supposed that the Hydra? 
was a multitude of serpents that infested the marshes of 
Lerna, in Greece. These, Hercules is said to have extir¬ 
pated by setting fire to the reeds in which they lodged. 
The term is applied sometimes as an ephithet, to that which 
is productive of a multiplicity of evils. 

71. Hagiographa. 

The Jews divide the Old Testament into three parts. 

1. The Law, which comprehends the five books of Moses. 

2. The Prophets. 3. The writings termed by them Cetu- 
brin, and by the Greeks, Hagiographa, or holy, whence the 
word has been introduced into the English language. 
The Cetubrins comprehended the books of Psalms, 
Proverbs, Job, Daniel, Ezra, 1STehemiah, Chronicles, Ruth, 
Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. The Hagiographa 
were distinguished from the prophecies because the matter 
contained in them was not received by the way of proph¬ 
ecy, but simply by direction of the spirit. 

72. Parasite. 

It was a title given by the Greeks to those who had 
the care of the corn used in religious ceremonies, and who' 
had a share of the sacrifice at the altar. Afterwards it was 
applied to those who frequented the tables of great men, 
who earned their welcome by flattery. Parasite plants are 
those which grow upon others. The word comes from 
Para, with, and Sitos, corn. 

73. Mythology. 

Jupiter , the greatest of the gods. 

Juno, wife of Jupiter, queen of heaven, and daughter of 
Saturn. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


17 


Calus, whom the Greeks called Manus, the most ancient 
of the gods. 

Saturn, god of time. 

Rhea, or Cybele, wife of Saturn, and mother of the earth' - 

Janus , or Bifrons , the god of public roads, and inventor 
of doors. He was represented with two faces, to indicate 
his knowledge of the past and future. His temple, erected 
by Numa, was open in time of war, and shut in time of 
peace. 

Vesta, daughter of Saturn, and goddess of fire. Fuma 
Pompilius raised an altar to her, and instituted priestesses, 
who were called vestals, or vestal virgins. 

Hebe, goddess of youth, and cup bearer to Jupiter. She 
displeased him, and was deprived of that honor. 

Ganymede, successor to Hebe, as cup bearer to Jupiter. 

Iris, the attendant of Juno, and changed by her into a 
rainbow. 

Ceres , daughter of Saturn and Cybele, and goddess of 
agriculture. 

Ascalaphus, the son of Acheron and Nox, turned into 
an owl by Ceres, for informing Pluto that Proserpine had 
eaten some grains of a pomegranate. 

Aurora , Ciree and Phaeton , children of the sun. 

Aurora , goddess of dawn. 

Circe, goddess of magic, and emblem of voluptousness. 

Phaeton, who asked the guidance of his father’s chariot, 
as a jwoof of his divine descent, but managed it so badly 
that he set the world on fire. Jupiter to save the world 
from destruction, hurled his dreadful thunderbolt, and 
dashed Phaeton lifeless from the car, into the river Po, in 
Italy, and scattered the fiery coursers, Eous, Pyrois , Ethon, 
and Phlegon. 

Heliades, daughters of the sun, and sisters of Phaeton, 
changed into poplars, while weeping over their dead 
brother, and their'tears became amber. 

Cycnus, or Cygnus, a relation and friend of Phaeton, 
changed by Apollo into a swan, and placed among the 
stars. 

b2 


18 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Gyllarus , a beautiful Centaur, killed at the wedding 
feast of Pirithous. 

Tithonus , son of Laomedon, and brother of Priam, who 
obtained from the gods immortality, but not eternal youth. 
Aurora changed him into a cicada or grasshopper. 

Apollo , Son of Jupiter and Latona, and god of music, 
poetry, rhetoric and physic. The laurel was dedicated to 
him. 

Titanes , sons and daughters of Uranus and Ge, (the 
earth.) They were twelve in number, Oceanus, Coeus, 
Crius, Hyperion, Japetus, Cronos, Thia, Rhea, Themis, 
Mnemosyne, Phoebe and Tethys. 

Tityus , a giant and son of Jupiter and Elara, killed by 
Apollo, for offering violence to Diana, and cast into Tar¬ 
tarus, where he lay outstretched on the ground, covering 
nine acres, whilst two vultures and two snakes devoured 
his liver. 

Hyacinthus , a beautiful youth, beloved by Apollo. He 
was killed accidently by a quoit, when from his blood there 
sprang the flower, Hyacinth. 

Marsyas , a satyr of Phrygia, who challenged Apollo to 
a musical contest. The Muses decided in favor of Apollo, 
and Marsyas was bound to a tree and flayed alive. 

Midas , King of Phrygia, who had the power of turning 
whatever he touched into gold. Apollo stretched his ears 
to the length and shape of asses’ ears, because he decided 
in favor of Pan, at a musical contest. 

The Muses , daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne. 
Goddesses of the sciences, patronees of music and poetry. 
They are nine in number, viz: Clio, Thalia, Melpomene, 
Euterpe, Terpsichore, Erato, Polyhymnia, Urania, Calliope. 

Clio , presided over history. 

Thalia , over comedy. 

Melpomene , the singing goddess, who presided over 
tragedy. 

Euterpe , patroness of instrumental music. Her name 
signifies the agreeable. 

Terpsichore , presided over the dance. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


19 


Erato, signifying love, was the inspirer of light poetry. 

Polyhymnia, over poetry ancl the ode. 

Urania, the inventress of astronomy. 

Calliope, distinguished for majesty of voice, presided 
over epic poetry and rhetoric. 

Pegasus , the winged horse which sprang from the blood 
of Medusa, when her head was struck off by Perseus. 

Perseus, the famous Argive hero, who cut off the head 
of Medusa, looking at her figure through the mirror, for 
a sight of the monster herself, would have changed him 
into stone. He is also said to have changed Atlas into a 
mountain, by means of the Gorgon’s head, and Polydectes 
and his guests into stone. 

Diana , daughter of Jupiter and Latona, and goddess of 
chastity, the chase, and the woods. 

Bacchus , the son of Jupiter and Semele, and god of 
wine. 

Minerva, who sprung from the head of Jupiter, armed 
goddess of wisdom, courage, and patroness of the fine 
arts. 

Amatthea , a goat by whose milk Jupiter was nourished.. 

Mars, god of w T ar and courage, and son of Jupiter and 
Juno. 

Bellona , goddess of war and cruelty, and sister of 
Mars. 

Victory , the daughter of Styx and Acheron. She was 
sometimes depicted as an Eagle. 

Venus , goddess of love and beauty, represented by 
some poets a springing from the froth of the sea. The 
dove and the swan, the myrtle and the rose were consid¬ 
ered sacred to her. 

Cupid, son of Venus, and god of love, generally painted 
as a beautiful boy, with bow and arrow, with a bandage 
over his eyes. 

Psyche, wife of Cupid. It is a Greek word, signifying 
soul or spirit. 


20 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Graces. They were represented sometimes a being 
three, and somtimes as four in number, named Aglaia , 
Thalia , Euphrosyne , and Pasithea. They are represented 
as beautiful young virgins, crowned with ears of corn, 
grapes, and olive branches, lightly dressed in gauze robes, 
and in elegant attitudes. 

Vulcan , god of fire, and inventor and patron of the 
art of fapricating arms and utensils from metal. He was 
precipitated from heaven by one kick from Jupiter, and 
fell upon the island of Lemnos. In the caves of that isle, 
and in the subterraneans of Mount iEtnahe had his work¬ 
shop, and made the formidable thunderbolts used by 
Jupiter. 

Cyclops , giants with one eye, and that in the middle of 
their foreheads. They were the workmen of Vulcan. 

Erictheus , son of Vulcan, and fourth king of Athens. 

Cctcus , a huge giant and monster of cruelty, son of 
Vulcan. 

Mercury , god of eloquence, arts and sciences, and 
messenger of the gods. The Egyptians gave him a face 
partly dark and partly bright, to signify his being em¬ 
ployed partly in heaven and sometimes in the infernal 
regions. 

Oceanus , son of Ccelus and Terra. He is regarded as 
the principal marine deity. 

Neptune , son of Saturn, and god of the seas. 

Amphitrite , goddess of the sea, and wife of Neptune. 

AEsculapius , god of the medical art. Serpents were 
sacred to him, because they were believed to have the 
power of discovering healing herbs. 

JEtlxalides , son of Mercury and Eupolemia, and herald 
of the Argonants. His soul took possession of the body 
of Pythagoras, after many migrations, in which it still 
recollected its migration. 

Actoeon , a celebrated hunter, changed by Diana into 
a stag, in which form he was torn to pieces by his fifty 
dogs. This punishment was inflicted upon him because 
he had seen Diana and her nymphs bathing. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


21 


Achilles , the hero of the Trojan war. After his death 
he became one of the judges of the lower world, and 
dwelled in the islands of the blessed. 

AEacus, renowned in all Greece for his piety and justice, 
and after death appointed one of their judges in hell. 

Adonis , a beautiful youth, beloved by Venus. He died 
of a wound which he received from a boar during the 
chase. The flower Anemone sprung from his blood. 

. Egeria , a beautiful nymph, from whom Numa received 
his instructions respecting the forms of worship which he 
introduced. She had a temple near Rome. 

AEsctcus , changed by Thetis into an aquatic bird. 

Appias , a nymph of the Appian hell, which was situated 
near the temple of Venus Genetrix, in the Forum of Julius 
Caesar. 

Polyphemus , one of the Cyclops, a dreadful giant who 
devoured those human beings who were so unfortunate as 
to fall into his hands. 

Phorcus , father of the terrible Gorgons. 

Proteus , son of Neptune, who had the care of his 
father’s flocks. He is said to have possessed the faculty 
of changing himself into whatever form he chose. A 
fickle person is frequently called a Proteus. 

Tritons were imaginary sea-animals, resembling men, 
and the dolphin. The first was the trumpeter of Nep¬ 
tune, and with the sound of his instrument terrified the 
giants in their war with the gods. 

The Sirens were beautiful young females, who, by the 
charms of their singing, allured mariners to approach the 
dangerous shores of their rocky home, which proved their 
destruction. 

Glaucus , Portumnus , Saron , Egeon , Ino, Palemon , . 
were mortals changed into sea-gods. 

Scylla and Charybclis , were personifications of danger¬ 
ous rocks, and a whirlpool between Mersnai and Reggio, 
on the coast of Sicily. 

Scylla was supposed to have been a most beautiful 
woman, who was changed by Amphitrite, in a fit of jeal- 


22 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


ousy, into a hideous sea monster. She was represented as 
having six heads, supported by as many necks, and rising 
suddenly from the waters, swept away six men from the 
deck of any unfortunate boat passing. Charybdis used 
to plunder travelers, but was at last killed by Hercules. 

The Halcyons were sea-birds, supposed to build their 
nests upon the waves, thereby calmning their violence by 
their soothing presence. The wife of Ceyx, King of 
Trachinia, whose name was Halcyone, threw herself into 
the sea upon seeing the corpse of her husband, who had 
been shipwrecked, when the gods, pitying their sad fate, 
changed them into birds called Halcyons, and gave them 
the power of stilling the waves. 

Naiads , nymphs who presided over rivers. 

Lymniades , those who lived in marshes. 

Dryades and Ilarn a dry a des, were wood-nymphs. 

Oreades , nymphs of the mountains. 

HJoliis, son of Jupiter, and god of the winds and tem¬ 
pests. 

Boreas , the north wind; Auster , south wind ; Burns , 
the east, and Zephyrus , the west wind. 

Bemagorgon was regarded as the spirit of heat, and 
the genius of the earth. His name was so reverenced 
that no one dared pronounce it aloud. 

Nox, the personification of night, and her residence 
was in Hades. 

Tartarus , a place beneath the earth closed by iron gates, 
the abode of the wicked. 

Terminus , the god of boundaries, and the avenger of 
usurpation. Numa erected a temple to him on the Tar- 
pein Rock. 

Flora , goddess of flowers, and wife of Tephyrus. 

Pomona , goddess of fruit and orchards. 

Priapus , the god of gardens. Eastern nations wor¬ 
shipped him under the name of Raal-Peor. 

Pales , goddess of shepherds and protectress of flocks. 

Mellona , goddess of bees. 

Bubona , goddess of herdsmen. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


23 


Seta , protectress of corn when in the ground. 

Segesta , protectress of corn during the harvest. 

Tutelina , protectress of corn when it was stored. 

Pobigus was invoked to preserve it from mildew. 

Popidonia protected the fruits of the earth from hail 
and lightning. 

Picumnus presided over the manuring of land. 

Pilumnus presided over the grinding of corn. 

The Satyrs , Fauns , and Egipans , were rural divinities, 
represented as half men and half goats. 

Collina was the goddess of hills, and Jugantinus of 
hillocks. 

Pan , god of shepherds. He is represented in the form 
of a Satyr, half man and half goat, holding in his hand the 
lyre invented by him, and called Syrinx. 

Echo , a beautiful nymph who loved Narcissus, but he, 
seeing his own image in a fountain, became so captivated 
with it, that he remained gazing there till he languished 
and died. Echo pined with grief at her loss, but being 
immortal, preserved her voice, repeating every word that 
reached her. 

Syrinx , a nymph in the train of Diana, who, upon being 
pursued by Pan, was changed by her father into a reed. 

Silenus , Chief of the Satyrs. He is represented as an 
old man, with a bald head, a flat nose, large ears, and 
other marks of intemperance. 

Lares and Penates , gods over cities, houses, and indi¬ 
viduals. Among them were ranked the souls of those 
who had faithfully served the State. 

The Genii , they were ranked among the domestic di- * 
vinities, and every man was supposed to have two, one 
the author of happiness, the other of misery. 

Gnomes , spirits inhabiting the earth. 

Sylp>hs , spirits inhabiting the air. 

Salamanders , spirits inhabiting the fire. 

! 'Avernus , a lake in the infernal regions. 

Acheron , a river in the infernal regions. 


24 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Charon, the aged and surly boatman who receives into 
his bark those who have been deemed worthy of funeral 
rites, and takes them over the river Styx. 

Cerberus, an enormous dog, with three heads, one of 
which is always upon the watch. He guards the gate 
leading to the palace of Pluto. 

Mmos Eacus and JRhadamanthus , judges in the dreary 
realms of Pluto. 

Phlegethon , a boiling river in hell. 

Cocytus , a river in hell, flowing from the river Styx. 

Lethe, a river whose waters when tasted caused forget¬ 
fulness of past events. 

Elysian Fields, the abodes of the virtuous, who are 
there crowned with immortal beauty and eternal springy 

Pluto, the supreme deity of the infernal regions, and 
third son of Saturn and Ops. 

Proserpine, daughter of Ceres and wife of Pluto, the 
queen of the infernal regions. 

Plutus, son of Ceres and Jason, and god of riches, 
represented as blind. 

The Furies were three in number: Tisiphone, Megcera, 
Alecto, the daughter of Acheron and Nox, the goddess, 
rage, slaughter, and envy. Their heads were covered 
with snakes instead of hair, torches in their hands, and 
holding whips of serpents aud scorpions, while their 
funeral robes were bound round the wait with serpents. 

The Fates were also three in number, the daughters of 
Necessity. It was supposed they spun and cut the thread 
of human life and destiny. Clotho held the distaff, 
Lachesis turned the spindle, and Atropos cut the thread. 

Nemesis, the goddess who presided over the punish¬ 
ment of guilt. She is represented as furnished with wings, 
a helm, and a chariot wheel, to signify that no place could 
hide the guilty from her. 

Astrcea, goddess of justice, and mother of Nemesis. 

The Manes were divinities who presided over departed 
spirits and funerals, and were supposed, with restless feet, 
to wander near the tombs. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


25 


S'omnus, god of sleep. 

■Mors, goddess of death, and daughter of Nox, repre¬ 
sented as a skeleton, wearing a black robe spangled with 
stars. 

The Titans were criminals punished in the infernal 
regions. 

Atlas , compelled by Jupiter to support the heavens on 
his shoulders. 

Gyges , thrust by Jupiter into Tartarus. One of the 
Titans. 

Briareus , one of the Titans, said to have fifty heads 
and one hundred hands. 

Hyperion , a Titan, son of Uranus, (the heaven,) and 
Ge, (the earth.) 

Japetus , one of the Titans, and father of Atlas. 

Sisyphus , for his great wickedness during life, was 
compelled to roll up hill a huge marble block, which, as 
soon as it reached the top, always rolled back again. 

Phlegias , for having set fire to the temple of Apollo, 
was kept in constant terror, by seeing a huge stone sus¬ 
pended over his head, which threatened to fall and crush 
him with its weight. 

Ixion , a wicked tyrant, was bound to awheel surrounded 
by serpents, which was constantly turning over a river of 
fire. 

Tantalus , king of Phrygia, and son of Jupiter, was 
condemned to the perpetual pain of hunger and parching 
thirst, on account of having murdered his own son Pelops, 
and served him up at a feast of the gods. He was 
plunged up to his chin in a lake in hell, but the waters es¬ 
caped from his lips whenever he attempted to drink; and 
although surrounded by delicious food, it eluded his 
grasp. 

The daughters of Danaus , fifty in number, were com¬ 
manded, on account of having killed their husbands in one 
night, to the continued toil of filling vessels with water 
which had no bottom. 

Comus , god of mirth and laughter. He presided over 
the pleasures of the table and entertainments. 

c 


26 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Momus , god of reparte and railery. 

Chiron , a Centaur, who taught Hercules astronomy, 
and H2sculapius physic. 

Hercules , son of Jupiter, noted for his great strength 
and extraordinary exploits. 

Theseus , a legendary hero of Attica, who went about 
combating wild beasts and destroying oppressors. 

Daedalus , a mythical personage, who is said to have 
built the labyrinth for Merias, king of Crete. 

Lucifer , the poetical name for the morning star. 

Hesperus , the poetical name for the evening stars; 
sometimes vesper. 

Morpheus , god of dreams. 

Castor and Pollux , twin sons of Jupiter and Leda. 
They had immortality conferred upon them alternately by 
Jupiter. Castor was noted for his superior horsemanship, 
and Pollux for pugilism. 

Orpheus , the poet and musician. His musical powers 
were so great that he is said to have charmed even rocks 
and stones by the sound of his lyre. 

Olympus , a mountain in Thessely, the resort of the 
gods. 

Centaurs , creatures half man and half horse. 

Chiron , a Centaur, celebrated for knowledge and vir¬ 
tue. 

A.chilles. He is said to have been dipped by his mother 
into the river Styx, which rendered him invulnerable in 
every part except his right heel, by which he was held. 

The Chimcera was a dreadful monster having the head 
and breast of a lion, the tail of a serpent, and vomited 
fire. 

The Harpies were winged animals, very fierce, with the 
bodies of birds, faces of women, and claws of lions. 

The Gorgons were daughters of Phorcus and Ceto. 
So dreadful was their appearance, that they turned into 
stone all who looked upon them. They had the faces of 
women and tails of serpents. Instead of hair, their heads 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


27 


were covered with vipers. Perseus cut off the head of 
one of these monsters, which was afterwards placed in 
the shield of Minerva. 

AEgis, the shield of Minerva, covered with the skin of 
the goat Almathea, having for its boss the head of the 
Gorgon Medusa. 

Prometheus stole fire from the chariot of the sun to 
animate a figure of a man he had made. For this he was 
chained down to a rock on Mount Caucasus, and a vulture 
commanded unceasingly to prey upon his liver, whioh was 
renewed as fast as destroyed. Hercules came to his as¬ 
sistance, and killed the vulture. 

Acis, a Sicilian shepherd, killed by Polyphemus. 

Ambarvalia , sacrifices in favor of Ceres. 

Angerona , goddess of silence. 

Vacwna, goddess of idle persons. 

Trophonius and his brother built the temple at Delphi. 
After his death he was worshipped as a hero, and had a 
celebrated cave in Boeatia. 

Venti, the winds. They were represented as beings 
with wings at their heads and shoulders. Black lambs 
were offered as sacrifices to destructive winds, and white 
ones to good winds. 

Vertumnus , an Etruscan divinity, and god of the spring t 

Vesta , goddess of the hearth and fire. The goddess 
was not represented by a statue in her temple, but by the 
eternal fire burning on her altar. 

Tempe , a lonely vale in Thessaly, the resort of the gods. 

Sylvanus , or Silvanus , a divinity of the fields and 
forests, especially presiding over plantations and trees 
growing wild. 

Stentor , a herald of the Greeks, whose voice was as 
loud as that of fifty other men put together. 

The Saturnalia were feasts in honor of Saturn. 

Python , a serpent killed by Apollo. The Pythian 
games were in honor of this victory. 

Thisbe and Pyramus, two lovers. They agreed to 
meet at the tomb of Nimus, when Thisbe, being first at 


28 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


the rendezvous, saw a lioness which had just torn in pieces 
an ox. Being frightened, she took to flight, but lost her 
garment on the way. In the meantime Pyramus arrived, 
and finding only this garment, soiled with blood, led him 
to think she had been destroyed. He then made way 
■with himself under a mulberry tree ; the fruit henceforth 
was as red as blood. 

Pudicitia , goddess of modesty. 

PIndus , a mountain in Thessaly, sacred to the Muses. 

Pigmies , represented by the poets as only a span in 
height, and as constantly warring with the cranes. 

Pactolus , a river said to have golden sands. 

Nectar, the beverage of the gods. 

Philemon and Bands, the old man and woman who en¬ 
tertained Jupiter and Mercury in their travels, when the 
other inhabitants refused them hospitality. For this their 
cottage was changed into a temple, and they were made 
priest and priestess, being permitted to die at the same 
time, that neither might have the pain of surviving the 
other. 

Pandora, a woman endowed with gifts by all the gods 
and goddesses. She had a box containing all kinds of 
evils, with Hope at the bottom. 

Niobe, a woman who wept herself into a statue for the 
loss of her fourteen children. 

Nereides, sea-nymphs, fifty in number. 

Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. 

Larvae, imaginary beings, represented as spectres. 

Hygeia, goddess of health. 

Ida, a famous mountain near Troy. In Homer, the 
summit of Ida is the place from which the gods watch the 
battles in the plains of Troy. 

Hermes, the Greek name for Mercury. 

Ilecate, Diana’s name in the infernal regions. 

Helicon, a celebrated range of mountains in Boeotia, 
covered with snow a great part of the year, and sacred to 
Apollo and the Muses. 

Harpocrates, the god of silence. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


29 


Gordius , the father of Midas, and king of Phrygia. 
He is famed for having tied a knot no one could untie. 
Alexander the Great cut it with his sword, and became 
king of Asia, according to the oracle, which had declared 
that whosoever untied the knot should reign over all Asia. 

Erebus, son of Chaos. The name is applied to the dark 
and gloomy space through which the shades pass into 
Hades. 

Charites , the Greek name for the Graces. 

Caduceus , a wand borne by Mercury, by which he drove 
away or induced sleep. Around it were entwined two 
snakes. 

Ate , goddess of revenge. 

Atalanta , a woman celebrated for her swift running. 

Argus , a man said to have had a hundred eyes, and to 
have been changed by Juno into a peacock. 

Arachne , a Lydian maiden, famous for dying purple. 
She also excelled in the art of weaving, and dared to 
challenge Minerva to compete with her. The goddess 
found fault with the weaving, and Arachne, in despair, 
hung herself. Athina, (or Minerva,) saved her life, but 
changed her into a spider, and the rope into a spider’s 
web. 

Agenovict , the goddess of industry. 

T4. The Arundel Marbles. 

They are ancient marble tablets, found in the Isle of 
Paros, in the commencement of the seventeenth century, 
and supposed to have been sculptured in the year 263 B. 
C. and contain the Chronology of Ancient History. They 
were presented to the Oxford University, by the Earl of 
Arundel. 

75. The Sea-Kings. 

They came chiefly from the shores of the Baltic, and 
did not possess any territory. They were a race of Kings, 
whom Europe beheld with horror; without country or 
home, their ships being their only possessions, their crews 
were their subjects, and swords their sceptres; they 
swarmed upon the rolling deep, unpitying and unpitied. 
They maintained their empire in blood and plunder, visit- 
02 


30 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


ing like fiends of vengeance every shore they could ap¬ 
proach. Never to sleep under smoky roof, never to drink 
their wine round hearth, were the boasts of these watery 
sovereigns. During the reign of Alfred the Great, some 
of these sea-kings landed on the coast of Sussex, and at¬ 
tacked Chichester, but were repulsed with great slaughter 
in a solitary valley, called Kingly Bottom. Amidst the 
south-downs of that country are many mounds which are 
believed to be sepulchral monuments raised over the pirat¬ 
ical chiefs who fell in that engagement. 

76. Ancient Kings of Egypt. 

Their education was intrusted to the priests; no per¬ 
sons were admitted to their presence who were not of 
noble birth and had not received a liberal education. His 
employments were appointed for every hour in the day, 
and the form of his dress was regulated. Whilst the mon¬ 
arch lived, he was reverenced as a god, but at his death, 
his people set in judgment upon him, and if his good actions 
did not exceed his evil ones, he w&s disgracefully refused 
the honors of sepulture. 

77. Erastianism. 

A term applied to the opinions of Thomas Licher, a 
German physician, who lived in the sixteenth century. 
He taught that the church had no right to exclude any 
person from the ordinances of the Gospel, or to inflict 
excommunication. 

78. The Mamelukes. 

They were a formidable body of soldiers established 
by Sultan Saladin, who also for three centuries elected 
from amongst themselves sovereigns. They were van¬ 
quished however, in 1537, by Selim, and Egypt united to 
the Turkish Empire. 

79. The Saxons as Heathens. 

It is easily proved, for the very days of the week still 
bear the names of the idols worshiped by the Saxons: 

The Idol of the Sun, Sun’s-daey—Sunday. 

The Idol of the Moon, Moon’s daey—Monday. 

The Idol Tuisco, Tuisco’s-daey—Tuesday. 

The Idol Woden, TV oden’s-daey—Wednesday. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


31 


The Idol Thor, Thor’s-daey—Thursday. 

The Idol Friga, Friga’s-daey—Friday. 

The Idol Seater, Seater’s-daey—Saturday. 

80. Latin. 

Latin ceased to be a living language, that means not 
generally spoken, in 700, A. D. 

81. The Rosetta Stone. 

The Rosetta Stone, now in the .British Museum, was 
taken from Rosetta, a town in Egypt by the French. It 
is a piece of black basalt about three feet long, and two and 
one-half wide, with an inscription in three languages, viz: 
Hieroglyphics, modified Hieroglyphics and Greek. It sets 
forth in glowing language,- the praises of Ptolemy Epi- 
phanes, somewhere near the year 194 B. C. 

82. The Rosicrucians. 

A sect of philosophers, who first appeared in Germany 
in 1302, and again early in 1600. They wrote hierograph- 
ically, promised secresy, and swore fidelity ; affirming that 
the ancient philosophers of Egypt, the Magi or Persia, the 
Gymnosophists of the Indies, and the Chaldeans, taught 
the same doctrine. 

83. The Nicene Creed. 

It was a summary of the Christain faith, compared at 
Nice by the first general council held there in the Palace 
of Constantine the Great. This council which assembled 
325 A. D. condemned the Arians. 318 bishops attended 
from divers parts of the world, who settled tlm time for 
observing Easter, and the doctrine of the Trinity. The 
creed was altered in 381 A. H. and confirmed in 431, when 
it was decreed unlawful to make further additions. 

. 84. Alhambra. 

It was a Moorish palace and fortress near Granada, 
in Spain ; surrendered to the Christians, January 6,1496. 

85. Altar. 

One was built by Noah, B. C. 2348. They > were 
raised to Jupiter in Greece by Cecrops, who also instituted 
and regulated marriages, 1556 B. C. He introduced 


32 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


among the Greeks the worship of those deities held in 
adoration in Egypt. The terms “ Altar,” was applied to 
the Lord’s table for the first time, three centuries after 
Christ. Christian altars in churches were introduced by 
Pope Sextus I, 135, and they were first consecrated by 
Pope Sylvester. The first Christian altar in Britain was in 
634 A. D. The Church of England still retains the name, 
applying it to the table on which the Elements are placed. 
Since the time of Elizabeth there has been much contro- 
versey on the subject, and the Puritans in the civil war, 
destroyed many of the ancient stone altars, substituting 
wooden tables. 

86. Steel Pens. 

About 1820, the first gross of three-slit pens 
was sold wholesale for about $35.00. In 1830, the price 
was $2.00, and in 1832, $1.50. A better article is now sold 
for twelve pence a gross, the cheapest sort at four pence. 
Birmingham alone now produces about 1000 millions of 
pens per annum. Women and children are principally em¬ 
ployed in their manufacture. 

87. Stoics. 

They were the disciples of Zeno, the cynic philosopher, 
about 190 B. C. They obtained the name of stoics, because 
they listened to his instructions in a porch or portico at 
Athens, called in Greek, Stoa. Zeno taught that man’s 
supreme happiness consisted in living agreeably to his nature 
and reason, and that God was the soul of the world. 

88. Amazons. 

Their origin is fabulous. They are said to have been 
the descendants of the Scythians inhabiting Cappadocia, 
where their husbands having made incursions, were all 
slain, being surprised in ambuscades by their enemies. 
Their widows were resolved to form a female state, and 
having firmly established themselves, they decreed that 
matrimony was a shameful servitude. They were said to 
have been conquered by Theseus, 1231 B. C. The Ama¬ 
zons were constantly employed in wars, and that they might 
throw the javelin with more force, their right breasts were 
burned oft*. About 330 B. C., their queen Thalestris, vis¬ 
ited Alexander the Great while he was pursuing his con¬ 
quests in Asia. Three hundred females were in her train. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


33 


89. Cycle. 

That of the sun is in twenty-eight years, when the 
days of the week return to the same days of the month. 
That of the moon is nineteen lunar years and seven months. 
The Cycle of Jupiter is sixty years. The Paschal Cycle, 
or the time of keeping Easter, w T as first calculated for the 
period of 532 years in 463 A. D. 

90. Epithets. 

The Bard of Pomona, Phillips. 

The Bard of Tyne, Aikenside. 

The Bard of Cona, Ossian. 

The Bard of Avon, Shakspeare. 

The Bard of Twickenham, Pojje. 

The Bard of Olnev, Cowper. 

The Bard of Ednam, Thomson. 

The Bard of Mantua, Virgil. 

The Bard of Thebes, Pindar. 

The Poet of Cornwell, Scott. 

The Poet of Auburn, Goldsmith. 

The Poet of Cremona, Vida. 

The Courtly Poet, Waller. 

The Water Poet, Taylor. 

The Prince of Italian Poets, Dante. 

The English Seneca, Bishop Hall. 

The English Cicero, Lord Erskine. 

The English Raphael, Sir Joshua Reynolds. 

The English Roscius, David Garrick. 

The English Justinias, Edward I. 

The British Eagle, Milton. 

The Sweet Singer of tha British Israel, Watts. 

The British Solomon, James I. 

The British Livy, Dr. Robertson. 

The British Claude, Wilson. 

The British Samson, Richard Joy. 

The Bristolian Milkwoman, Mrs. Yearsley. 

The Bristolian Youth, Chatterton. 

The Father of History, Herodotus. 

The Father of Modern Poetry, Chaucer. 

The Father of Ornithology, Edwards. 

The Father of his people, Louis XII. 

The Fathers of Experimental Philosophy and the Lights 
of Science, Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton. 


34 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


The Father of Spanish Poetry, Villena. 

The Father of the English Unitarians, Biddle. 

The Father of German Literature, Bodmer. 

The Father of English Criticism, Dryden. 

The Father of English Essay, Sir R. Steel. 

The Walking Philosopher, Straggie. 

The Theban Swan, Pindar. 

The Laughing Philosopher, Democritus. 

The Crying Philosopher, Heraclitus. 

The Philosopher of Mind, Anaxagoras. 

The Homer of Philosophy, Plato. 

The Bee, Sophocles. 

The Attic Bee, Xenophon. 

The Garden Philosopher or Gargetian, Epicurus. 

The Theban Pair, Epaminondes and Pelopidas. 

The Milton of Music, Handel. 

The Milton of Germany, Klopstock. 

The Voltaire.of Germany, Wieland. 

The Anacreon of German, Jlein. 

The Pliny of Germany, Gessner. 

The Bee of France, Rollins. 

The Gersham of France, James Coeur. 

She-wolf of France, Isabella, wife of Edward II. 

The Ovid of France, Belley. 

The Nero of France, Louis XI. 

The Raphael of France, Poussin. 

The He of Cordova, Seneca. 

The He of Tusculum, Cicero. 

The Scottish Horace, Dunbar. 

The Vandyke of Scotland, Jameson. 

The Bonner of Scotland, Cardinal Beaton. 

The Russian Garrick, Volcof. 

The Pindar of Russia, Samanocof. 

The One-eyed Chief, Hannibal. 

The Pellian Chief, Alexander the Great. 

The Semiramis of the North, Margaret of Waldemar. 
The Christian Plato, Jeremy Taylor. 

The Christian Virgil, Vida. 

The Christian Cicero, Lactantius. 

The Cheronean Sage, Plutarch. 

The Pylian Sage, Nestor. 

The Sage of Fernev, Voltaire. 

The Immortal Sage of Syracuse, Archimedes. 

The Samian Sage, Pythagoras. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


35 


The Terror of Spain, Blake. 

The Virgil of Spain, Camoens. 

The Crafty Greek, Ulysses. 

The Sinopion, Diogene. 

The Teian, Anacreon. 

The Stagirite, Aristotle. 

The Boy Bachelor, Wolsey. 

The Holy Maid of Kent, Elizabeth Barton. 

The Abyssinian Traveler, Bruce. 

The Man of Tarsus, Saul. 

The Tenth Muse, Sappho. 

The Glory of the English Nation, Seldon. 

The Lichfield Moralist, Dr. Johnson. 

The Vicar of Bray, Symonds. 

The Apostle of the Germans, Boniface. 

The Learned Merchant, Gersham. 

The Day-star of Truth, Martin Luther. 

The Light of Science, Bacon. 

London’s Generous Mavor, White. 

The Danish Astronomer, Tycho Brache. 

The Virgil of the Low Countries, Boehius. 

The Literary Phenomenon, Warburton. 
Democritus Junior, Burton. 

The Patriot of the World, John Howard. 

The Walking Libraries, Hales and Leland. 

The Ayrshire Ploughman, Burns. 

The Nestor of French Literature, Bartheleme. 

The Alpine Hero, Hannibal. 

The Shield of Rome, Marcellus. 

The Italian Homer, Ariosto. 

The Raphael of Music, Mozart. 

The Modern Alexander, Charles XII. 

The American Fabius, Washington. 

The Southern Tycho, Halley. 

91. English Sovereigns. 

NORMAN LINE. 

Ascended the Throne. Married. 

William I.,.1066.Matilda of Flanders. 

William II.,.1087.Never married. 

Henry I.,.1100.Matilda of Scotland. 

Stephen,!.1135.Matilda of Boulogne. 


I 










36 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


PLATAGENETS. 

Henry II.,.1154.Eleanor of Aquitaine. 

Richard I.,.1189.Berengaria of Navarre. 

John,.1199.Isabella of Argontene. 

Henry III.,.1216.Eleanor of Provence. 

Edward I.,.1272.Eleanor of Castile.. 

Edward II.,.1307.Isabella of France. 

Edward III.,.1327.Philippa of Hainault. 

Richard II.,.1377.Anne of Bohemia, 

Isabella of Valois. 

HOUSE OF LANCASTER. 

... 1399 .Joanna of Navarre. 

...1413.Katharine of Valois. 

... 1422.Margaret of Anjou. 

HOUSE OF YORK. 

... 1471.Elizabeth Woodville. 

...1483 .Never married. 

... 1483.Anne of Warwick. 

TUDORS. 

1485.Elizabeth of York. 

1509 .Catharine of Arragon, 

Anne Boleyn, 

Jane Seymour, 

Anne of Cleves, 
Catharine Howard, 
Catharine Parr. 

1547.Never married. 

1553.Philip of Spain. 

1558.Never married. 

STUARTS. 


James I.,.1603-Anne of Denmark. 

Charles I.,. .... 1625.... Henrietta Maria of France. 

The Commonwealth, 1649... .Oliver Cromwell. 

Charles II.,. 1660... .Catharine of Braganza. 

James II.,. 1685... .Mary Beatrice of Modena. 

William III.,. 1689... .Mary II.,daughter of James II 

Anne,.1702-Prince George of Denmark. 

HOUSE OF BRUNSWICK. 

George I.,. 1714... .Sophia of Tell. 

George II..,. 1727... .Wilhelmina Caroline of Bran¬ 

denburg. 


Henry VII.,. 
Henry VIII., 


Edward VI., 

Mary,. 

Elizabeth,.. 


Henry IV.,.. 
Henry V.,... 
Henry VI.,.. 

Edward IV.,, 
Edward V.,. 
Richard III.,. 
















































TO KNOWLEDGE. 


37 


George III.,. 1760... .Charlotte Sophia of Mechlen- 

burg Strelitz. 

George IV.,. 1820... .Caroline of Brunswick. 

William IV.,. 1830... .Adelaide of Saxe Meinengen. 

Victoria,. 1837.... Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha. 

92. Benedictines. 

An order of Monks founded by Benedict, who was 
the first that introduced the monastic life into the western 
part of Europe in the beginning of the sixth century. No 
religious order has been so remarkable for extent, wealth, 
and men of note and learning as the Benedictines. Their 
founder was canonized. 

93. The Goths. 

A warlike nation that inhabited the space between 
the Caspian, Pontus, Euxine and Baltic seas. They at¬ 
tacked the Roman Empire A. D. 251. They were de¬ 
feated by Claudius, and 320,000 slain A. D. 269. After 
the destruction of the Roman Empire by the Heruli, the 
Ostrogoths, under Theodoric, became masters of the 
greater part of Italy, where they retained their dominions 
till A. D. 553, when they were finally conquered by a 
general of Justinian. The Visigoths settled in Spain, and 
founded a kingdom which continued until the country was 
subdued by the Saracens. 

94. Jubilee. 

By Mosaic institution, the Jews celebrated a jubilee 
every fifty years. Among the Christians, a jubilee every 
century was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII., in the year 
1300. It was celebrated every fifty years by command of 
Pope Clement VI., but was afterwards reduced by Urban 
VI. to every sixty-third year, and Sextus V. to every 
twenty-fifth year, at which period it is now fixed. 

95. Shoes. 

Among the Jews they were made of rush, wood, 
linen, and leather. The Indians, like the Egyptians, wore 
shoes made of the bark of the papyrus. The Romans 
wore an ivory crescent on their shoes, and the Emperor 
Caligula, wore his enriched with gems. The Jewish women 
wore moons as ornaments in their shoes, as mentioned in 

D 






38 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Isaiah. The Greeks wore shoes of various forms. Sandals 
were worn by women of distinction ; but Pythagoras 
would have his disciples wear shoes made of the bark of 
trees, that they might not wear what were made of the 
skins of animals, as they refrained from the use of every¬ 
thing that had life. In England they had a singular way 
of clothing the feet; they wore the points of their shoes 
so long that they encumbered themselves in walking, 
and were forced to tie them up to their knees; and when 
they wished to be very finely dressed, fastened them with 
chains of silver gilt, and others with laces. This was pro¬ 
hibited 1467, and whoever disobeyed, was fined 20s., and 
were in danger of being cursed by the clergy. 


96. The Ear of Dionysius. 

It was built by Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse, to 
enable him to overhear the private discourses of those 
whom he had imprisoned upon suspicion of disaffection 
to his government. It is a large cavern dug out of the 
solid rock, in the form of the human ear. The immense 
size may be imagined by the following description: it is 
80 feet deep, and 240 long. It was so ingeniously con¬ 
trived that every sound made in the apartment which 
served for a state prison was collected in a point called the 
tympanum, and opposite to it a hole, which communicated 
with a little apartment where the tyrant used to conceal 
himself, and by applying his ear to this hole, he heard 
every word distinctly which was spoken below. 


97. The Ancient names of the Countries of Europe. 


Britannia—England, 
Scotland—Caledonia, 
W ales—Cambria, 
Spain—Iberia, 
Poland—Lithuania, 


France—Gaul or Gallia, 
Ireland—Hibernia, 
Holland—Batavia, 
Portugal—Lusitania, 
Switzerland—Helvetia, 


Sweden and Denmark—Scandinavia. 


98. The Druids . 

They were priests of Britain, whose principal resi¬ 
dence was in the Isle of Anglesey, where they performed 
their idolatrous worship. They wore on their heads a 
tiara, or sacred crown; dressed in long white robes; en¬ 
circled their temples with a wreath of oak leaves, and in 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


39 


their hands carried a magic wand. A serpent’s egg worn 
upon the head was the sign of this order. Their temples 
were circles of huge stones, and they reverenced the Mis- 
letoe. The ruins of these temples may be seen in several 
parts of Wales, but the most famous is Stonehenge, Eng¬ 
land. 

99. The Saxon Heptarchy. 

They were seven kingdoms established after the 
Britons had been driven into Wales and Cornwall by the 
Saxons. The seven kingdoms were those of Kent, Sussex, 
Wessex, Essex, Mercia, Northumberland, and East An¬ 
glia. 

100. Peter's Pence. 

An annual tribute of a penny paid by every family to 
the Popes for maintaining an English college at Rome. 
It was established by Offa, king of Mercia, A. D. 755, and 
after the union of the seven kingdoms was collected 
throughout England. 

101. Trial by Ordeal. 

It was a superstitious custom anciently prevalent in 
Britain, by which the innocence or guilt of an accused 
person was supposed to be determined. There were three 
kinds of ordeal; by cold water, hot water, and that by 
fire. In that by cold water, the accused person was bound 
hand and foot and thrown into a river, and then to clear 
himself by escaping drowning. In that by hot water, the 
feet and hands were immersed in scalding water; and that 
by fire, the accused was blindfolded, and commanded to 
walk bare-footed over nine red-hot ploughshares. These 
customs were laid aside in the reign of Henry III. 

102. Doomsday-Book. 

It is a book containing an account of every manor, 
estate or farm throughout England. This book is still 
extant, and its authority is so undoubted, that it is admitted 
as incontrovertible evidence in courts of law. 

103. Magna Charta. 

By the Charter is meant a body of laws, the great 
Charter of English Liberty, or rather rights, granted by 


40 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


King John, and signed at Runny mead near Windsor, J une 
15, 1215. He at first refused to sign it, but the Barons 
took up arms and forced him to do it. It was many times 
violated by Henry III. This last king’s grand Charter 
was granted in the ninth year of his reign 1224, and when 
he granted it swore on the faith and word of a king, a 
knight and a Christian to observe it. Sir Edward Coke 
says, that even in his days, it had been confirmed several 
times. For this grant a fifteenth of all movable goods 
were given to the king, whether temporal or spiritual. 

104. Cards. 

They were invented for Charles VI, King of France 
called the “ well beloved.” He was insane the greatest 
part of his reign, and during the intervals of reason, cards 
were produced to amuse him. 

105. Knights of Rhodes. 

They were Military Ecclesiastics who associated them¬ 
selves first at Jerusalem for the protection of Christian 
pilgrims. When Jerusalem was finally occupied by the 
Saracens and Turks, Rhodes was assigned to them as their 
place of abode, whence they carried on a naval warfare 
against the infidels. Being expelled from that island by 
the Turks, after a most heroic defence, the Emperor Charles 
V. gave them the isle of Malta, after which they were 
called Knights of Malta. During the French Revolution, 
Napoleon seized Malta, and the Knights were scattered. 
Malta was taken afterwards by the English, who still retain 
it in their possession, but the order has not been revived. 
No one could become a Knight of Malta, unless of noble 
blood; they were to be unmarried, and took a vow to de¬ 
fend the island from the invasions of the hated Turks. 
They were governed by thirty superior Knights, and a 
Grand Master, chosen from their body. 

106. Some of the Antiquities in England. 

Westminster Abbey and Hall, Stonehenge in Wilt¬ 
shire, (a circle of stones) where the Druids worshipped; 
Anebury in county, a druidical temple, (supposed to be) 
on a scale of great magnificence; the Piets’ wall between 
Cumberland and Northumberland; York Minster, and 
many Roman altars, roads and monuments. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


41 


107. The five greatest Philosophers England has produced. 

Roger Bacon, Francis Bacon, (Lord Verulam,) Robert 
Boyle, Sir Isaac Newton and John Locke. 

108. The Test Act. 

It required all officers under the English Government, 
whether military or civil, to receive the sacrament accord¬ 
ing to the Episcopal or Established Church. The Test 
Act, so far as it related to the sacramental test, was re¬ 
pealed in 1828. 

109. Toleration Act. 

It gave all those who did not profess the doctrines of 
the English Church, the right to worship God, without 
being disturbed, in their own manner. 

110. The Pill of Rights. 

It was obtained from Charles I. in 1628, by the Par¬ 
liament. This bill recognized all the legal rights and priv¬ 
ileges of the subject, and notwithstanding the employment 
of all manner of arts to avoid it, Charles was constrained 
to pass it into a law. 

111. Ides and Hones. 

The Ides, are derived from an old word meaning to 
divide, because the full moon divides the lunar month. 
Nones, were so called because they always fell on the ninth 
day before the Ides, according to the Roman system of 
calculation. 

112. The Roman Months. 

They were divided into Calends, Nones, and IdeS. 
The Calends marked the first of the month, the Nones the 
first quarter, and the Ides full moon. The Calends were 
so called, because immediately after the appearance of the 
new moon the people were called together to hear on what 
day the Nones and Ides would fall. 

113. The Tsaltsalya. 

It is an insect of Abyssinia, a very little larger than a 
bee ; as soon as it makes its appearance, the cattle forsake 
their food and run about the plains, no resource remains 
d2 


42 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


to them but to hasten closer to the sands of Atbara, where 
this cruel enemy seldom pursues them. The lion, rhinoce¬ 
ros and tiger fly in terror when it approaches, and the 
camel, though covered w T ith so thick a skin, cannot sustain 
the violent punction of this mischievous insect, for when 
attacked he is covered with large swellings, which continue 
to swell until they burst, and the poor animal soon dies, in 
great agony. 

114. The Four Hills of Jerusalem. 

Mount Zion, on which stood the Citadel and Palace 
of David. Mount Moriah, on which the Temple was built. 
Mount Olivet, to which Jesus returned to pray. Mount 
Calvary, on which he was crucified. 


115. The Inventions of Rome , with dates. 

Invocation of Saints, - - - - A. D. 

Worship in an unknown tongue, “ 

Supremacy of the Pope, ... “ 

Worship of the Cross, Images and Relics, “ 
Constrained Celibacy of the Clergy - “ 

Canonization of Saints, - - - - « 

Infallibility of the Church, “ 

Chapels,.“ 

Sacrifice of the Mass, “ 

Seven Sacraments,.“ 

Transubstantiation, .... “ 


Confession,.“ 

Elevation of the Host, .... “ 

Prayers for the Dead, “ 

Ringing of a Little Bell at the Mass, - •* 

Corpus Christi Day, « 

Procession of the Sacrament, - - - « 

Withholding the Cup from the Laity, - “ 

Purgatory,.“ 

Tradition,.« 

Apocryphal Books,.“ 

Priestly Intentions Necessary to the validity 
of a Sacrament, - - . . “ 

Venial Sins, ..« 

Creed of Pope Pius IV, in which twelve new 
Articles of Faith were added to the Ni- 
cene Creed, composed “ 


375 

600 

606 

787 

1000 

1000 

1076 

1090 

1100 

1160 

1215 

1215 

1220 

400 

1227 

1264 

1336 

1415 

1438 

1546 

1547 

1547 

1563 


1564 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


43 


116. Hanseatic League. 

It was a commercial union formed by a number of 
port towns in Germany, in support of each other, against 
the piracies of the Sweeds and Danes. The League was 
formed 1164, and signed in 1241. It at first consisted 
only of towns on the coast of the Baltic sea, but its repu¬ 
tation and strength increasing, there was scarce any trading 
city in Europe but asked admission into it, and in time it 
consisted of sixty-six cities. On account of their declar¬ 
ing war against Waldemar, king of Denmark, 1348, and 
Erick in 1428, several princes took offence, and ordered 
their merchants to withdraw their effects, and thus the 
strength of the alliance was broken ; and in 1630, the only 
towns of note remaining in the association were Bremen, 
Lubeck, and Hamburg. 

117. Hospitallers. 

Military knights of the Order of St. John, of Jeru¬ 
salem, wdio were under religious vows, instituted by open¬ 
ing a hospital for the reception of pilgrims at Jerusalem 
in A. D. 1048. They became a monastic order in 1092, 
and a military order in 1118. It was on the occasion of 
the Holy Wars that the orders of Hospitallers, Templars, 
and the Teutonic Knights were instituted. 

118. Essenes. 

In Jewish antiquity, one of the three ancient sects 
among that people, who outdid the Pharisees in their 
most rigorous observance. They allowed a future state, 
but denied a resurrection from the dead. They did not 
marry, but adopted the children of others, whom they 
educated in the institutions of their sect. They despised 
riches, and had all things common. They are not men¬ 
tioned in the New Testament, because from their love, of 
solitude they were but little known, and were so inoffensive 
in their lives the Saviour had no occasion to censure them 
as he did the Pharisees. 

119. The Twelve Labors of Hercules. 

He killed, in the forest of Nemea, an enormous lion, 
whose skin he afterwards wore. In the Lake ol Lerna, he 
destroyed a dreadful serpent, which had seven heads; as 
fast as one was cut ofi another instantly sprang up in its 


44 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


place. He bound the wild boar, Erymanthian, an animal 
of great strength and fierceness. He, on foot, hunted 
down, after a year’s chase, a hind consecrated to Diana, 
whose horns were of gold and feet of brass. He killed 
the birds that fed upon human flesh, called Stymphalides. 
He defeated the Amazons, a warlike race of women, and 
took their queen, Hippolyte, prisoner. He dragged to the 
light of day the triple-headed dog, Cerberus, from the in¬ 
fernal regions. He slew Geryon, king of Spain, a cruel 
giant with three bodies. He destroyed the huge dragon 
who guarded the golden apples in the gardens of the 
Hesperides. He vanquished Diomede, the tyrant of 
Thrace, who fed his horses with the flesh of his guests. 
He tamed a furious bull, who did great mischief in Crete. 
In one day he cleaned the stable of Angeas, by turning a 
river through it. It had not been emptied for thirty 
years, though three thousand oxen were constantly lodged 
n it. 

120. Aluminium. 

It is a recently discovered metal, remarkable for its 
lightness, its pure sound when struck, its silvery metallic 
lustre, and its ductility, which is equal to copper. It is 
found in the London clay, and would be the most abundant 
of all metals were it not so extremely reluctant to separate 
from its compounds. 

121. Pharos of Alexandria. 

It was a kind of light house, or lofty building, built 
in the reign of Pharos, and one of the most celebrated 
works of antiquity. The tower of king Pharos stood at 
the mouth of the Nile, and consisted of several galleries 
or stories, surmounted by a lantern, the light of which 
was seen several leagues at sea, as well as along the coast. 

122. The Achcean League. 

The “ Achaean League ” was entered into by twelve 
cities, for mutual protection, and were famous for their 
democratic form of government. It was entered into 
1113 B. C. The twelve cities were iEgira, Bura, Ceraunia, 
Dyme, Helice, Leontium, Olenus, Pharae, Patrae, Pellene, 
Rhypae, Tritsea. Several other of the Grecian states 
united with the Achasns to throw off the Macedonian 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


45 


yoke, B. C. 284. This League continued one hundred and 
thirty-four years, and was dissolved by Muramius, when 
he destroyed Corinth. 

123. Septuagint Version of the Bible. 

It was a Greek version of the Old Testament, made 
in 277 B. C., and so called because the translation was 
made by seventy-two Jews, shut up in thirty-six cells, and 
called the “ Seventy Interpreters.” When they compared 
them, it was found they did not differ, even in a letter. 
The translation is said to have been made at the request 
of Ptolmy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, and that he gave 
the translators half a million for the translation, and the 
Jews about a million sterling for a copy of the Testament. 

124. Agrarian Laics. 

They were statutes which forbade the possession of 
more than a certain extent of land by one individual. 
The law of the Romans called the “ Agrarian Law,” was 
published by Spurius Cassius about the year of Rome 268. 
It enjoined a division in equal parts of all conquered lands 
among the citizens, and also limiting the number of acres 
for each. 

125. Kiash. 

It is a kind of pavilion, or summer-house, with a tent¬ 
shaped roof, supported by pillars. They have been intro¬ 
duced into American and European gardens, from Persia 
and Turkey. Kiask is a Turkish word. 

126. Kufie. 

The ancient letters of the Arabic, so called from 
Kufa, on the river Euphrates. 

127. The Escurial. 

It is a palace and monastery, (justly celebrated,) in 
Spain, about twenty miles from Madrid, in the shape of a 
gridiron, containing the king’s palace and the church of 
St. Lawrence. It was erected by Philip on account of a 
vow he made on the day of the battle of St. Quentin, and 
dedicated to St. Lawrence, whose festival was on that day. 
It is a quadrangle, 740 feet long, by 580 broad, and is said 
to have cost fifty millions of dollars. 


46 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


128. Shrove Tuesday. 

After the people had made confession, according to 
the Ancient Church, in the season of Lent, they were per¬ 
mitted to indulge in amusements, although not allowed to 
partake of anything beyond the usual substitutes for 
flesh ; hence arose the custom of eating pan-cakes, or frit¬ 
ters* which is still preserved on Shrove Tuesday, or 
Shrovetide. On this day the people in many parishes 
throughout England, formerly confessed their sins, and 
the parish bell rung for the purpose at 10 o’clock. The 
custom still prevails in some of the older parishes of ring¬ 
ing the bell, and is called pancake-bell. On the days of 
authorized indulgence, all kinds of recreations were tol¬ 
erated, provided a due regard was paid to abstinence com¬ 
manded by the Church ; hence arose the Carnival. It was 
observed as long ago as 1430. 

129. Ash- Wednesday. 

The first day in Lent, so called from the ancient cus¬ 
tom of fasting in sackcloth and ashes. The early Chris¬ 
tians did not commence their Lent, until the first Sabbath, 
but Pope Felix in A. D. 487, added the four days preced¬ 
ing the old Lent Sabbath, to complete the fasting days to 
forty. Gregory the Great, introduced the sprinkling of 
ashes in the first four of the additional days, hence the 
name of Ash-Wednesday. 

130. Ascension Day , or Holy Tuesday. 

It is a festival observed in the Episcopal and Roman 
Catholic Churches, ten days before Whitsuntide in mem¬ 
ory of the Savior’s ascending into heaven. 

131. Witena-Gemot. 

Among the Saxons, this was the term applied to their 
deliberations, and signified the assembling of wise men in 
the council of the nation, as we use the terms Senate or 
House of Assembly. A Witena-Gemot was assembled in 
London, A. D. 833, to consult how best to keep out the 
Danes. About the time of the Norman Conquest, the 
name was dropped for that of Parliament. 

132. Wars. 

Scripture writers date the first war, as having been 
begun by the son of Cain, B. C. 3563. The first warlike 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


47 


King of Egypt was Osymaudyas, B. C. 2100. He con¬ 
quered Baetria. The most famous siege on the page of 
Ancient History, was that of Troy, from 1193 B. C. to 
1184. The longest siege that of Ageth, 647 B. C. The 
most gigantic civil war recently waged between the North 
and South. 

133. Sicilian Vespers. 

This terrible massacre of the French in Sicily, known 
by that name, took place at Palermo, March 30, 1282. 
The French had become so hateful to the people, that a 
conspiracy was formed, when the following occurrence led 
to its development. “ On Easter Monday, the chief con¬ 
spirators had assembled at Palermo, and while the French 
were engaged in festivities, a Sicilian bride happened to 
pass with her train. She was observed by a Frenchman, 
who, advancing towards her, used her rudely under pre¬ 
tence of searching for arms. A young Sicilian, enraged 
at this insult, stabbed him with his own sword; tumult 
ensued, and 200 Frenchmen, were instantly murdered. 
The enraged populace ran through the city, calling out, 

‘ let the French die,’ and without distinction of age, sex 
or rank, they killed all they could find, amounting to about 
8000. The massacre became general throughout the island, 
even the churches proving no sanctuary to the distressed 
French.” 

t 

134. The Saracens. 

They were a celebrated people from-the deserts of 
Arabia, and the first disciples of Mahomet. Within about 
forty years after his death, A. D. 631, they had conquered 
a great part of Africa, Europe and Asia. They went to 
Spain 713, but the Saracen Empire fell, when Bagdad was 
taken by the Tartars, 1258. The descendants of those 
who conquered Spain are now called Moors. 

135. Sappho. 

Sappho the tenth muse, was a lyric poetess of Mity- 
lene who threw herself into the sea, because she had con¬ 
tinued a hopeless passion for Phaon a youth of her native 
country. She was equally celebrated for her poetry and 
her beauty. 


48 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


LATIN WORDS. 

A. G. Ante Christian, before Christ. 

A fortiori, with stronger reason. 

A. M. Anno Mundi, in the year of the world. 

Ante Meridem, before noon. 

Artium Magister, Master of Arts. 

A. U. C. {Ab Urbe Condita ,) from the foundation of 
the City (Rome.) 

A posteriori , literally, “ from the latter,” a logical term 
denoting that the reasoning is from cause to effect. 

Ab initio , from the beginning. 

Ab ovo usque ad mala , literally “ from the egg to the 
apples,” used to signify from the beginning to the end, as 
a Roman entertainment began with eggs and ended with 
fruits. 

Ab uno disce omnes , from a single instance you may in¬ 
fer the whole. 

Ad captandum vulgus , to catch the rabble. 

Ad Grcecas Kdlendas , never; there having been no 
Calends in the Greek Calender. 

* 

Ad patres, death ; or the abode of the fathers. 

Alias , otherwise. 

Alibi , otherwise; or being in another place. 

Alma Mater , nourishing, or pure mother; a term gen¬ 
erally applied to the school or university in which the per¬ 
son using it was educated. 

Alternis lioris , every other hour. 

A mensa et toro, divorced from bed and board. 

Ana, of each ingredient an equal quantity. 

Audi alteram partem, hear both sides. 

Animus, the intention. 

Argumentum ad hominem, an argument addressed to 
a man’s professed principles. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


49 


Argumentum ad ignorantiam , an argument addressed 
to a man’s want of knowledge or skill. 

Aut Cc&sar aut mdlus , either Cassar or nobody. 

Bona fide , without fraud or deceit. w 

Brutumfulmen, a harmless threat. 

Cacoethes scribendi , loquendi , ete., a passion for writing, 
speaking, etc. 

Gceteris paribus, the test or other things being equal. 

Caput mortuum , the matter which remains after distil¬ 
lation. 

Carpe diem , seize the present hour. 

Casus belli , a reason for war. 

Cranium , the skull. 

Credat Judeeus , a Jew may believe that, a phrase imply¬ 
ing the great incredulity of the person using it. 

Credenda , things to be believed. 

Cui bono , what good will it do. 

(Twra valeas , take care of thy health. 

Currente calamo , with a running pen; applied to works 
written with too great expedition. 

JD. O. M. Deo optimo macimo , dedicated to the Al¬ 
mighty, to God, the best, the greatest. 

Data , things granted. 

De facto , actually. 

De gustibus non est disputantum , there is no use in dis¬ 
puting about losses. 

Dejure , by law. 

De mortuis nil nisi bonum , let nothing be spoken of the 
dead but what is favorable to them. 

De novo , anew 

Deo volente , D. V. God willing. 

Desideratum , something to be desired. 

Desunt ccetera , the rest is wanting; a phrase placed at 
the end of an imperfect work. 

E 


50 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Dies non , days on which no legal proceedings can take 
place, or holidays at the Bank and other public offices. 

JDii penates, the household gods. 

Divide et impera , divide and govern. 

Domine dirige nos, Lord direct us. 

Dramatis personae , characters of the drama. 

Durante bene placito, during our good pleasure. 

Durante vita , during life. 

Ecce homo , behold the man. 

Est modus in rebus , there is a medium in everything. 
Ex cathedra , from the chair; that is, authoritatively. 

E. G. Exampli gratia , for example. 

Ez nihilo nihil fit , nothing springs from nothing. 

Ex officio , by virtue of his office. 

Ex parte, any one side. 

Excerpta , extracts from a work. 

Ehperimentum crucis , the experiment of the Cross, a 
bold and decisive experiment. 

Ex tempore , out of hand ; without study. 

Ex voto , a votive gift. 

Faber suce fortunee, the architect of his own fortune. 
Eac simile , an exact likeness. 

Fas est ab hoste doceri , instruction may be derived even 
from an enemy. 

Felo de se , a self-murderer. 

Ferae natures, animals which are considered wild and 
roam at large. 

Festina lente , be cautious, but not sluggish. 

Fiat justitia ruat coelum, let justice be done, be the con¬ 
sequence what it may. 

Flagrante bello, wffiile war is raging. 

Flagrante delicto, the apprehension of a criminal when 
the evidence is clear against him. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


51 


Fuit Ilium, literally, Troy has been. A phrase used to 
express departed glory. 

Functus officio, discharged from office. His official 
career has terminated. 

Gnothi secac ton, know thyself. The saying of Solon, 
one of the wise men of Greece. 

Habeas corpus, literally, yon may have the body; a 
writ for delivering a person from false imprisonment, or 
for removing a person from one court to another. This is 
considered the great bulwark of British liberty. 

Habitat, literally, “it dwells.” The place where ani¬ 
mals and plants best thrive and are usually found. 

Ilinc illcc lacrymez, “ Hence those tears.” This is the 
key to the mystery. 

Hortus siccus, literally, “A dry garden.” A collection 
of specimens of plants carefully dried and preserved. 

Humanum est err are, to err is human. 

Ibidem, in the same place. 

Id genus omne, all persons of that description. 

Imperium in imperio, a subordinate rule existing under 
another controlling power. 

Imprimatur, literally, “Let it be printed.” A form in 
which permission was formerly granted for a work to be 
printed. 

Imprimis, in the first place. 

Impromptu, without premeditation. 

In commendam, in trust. 

In dubiis, in cases of doubt. 

In forma pauperis, as a pauper. 

In for o conscientice , before the bar of conscience. 

In limine, at the very outset. 

In medias res, into the midst of things. A phrase ap¬ 
plied to any author who rushes abruptly into his subject. 

In medio tutissimus ibis, the middle, a moderate course, 
is the safest. 


52 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


In re , in the matter of. 

In statu quo , as it was before. 

In ierrorem, given as a warning. 

In transitu , in the act of transition. 

In vacuo , in empty space. 

In vino veritas , there is truth in wine. 

Incidit in Scyllam qui vultvitare Charybdins , literally, 
“ He who wishes to avoid Charybdis falls into Scylla.” A 
phrase descriptive of dangers besetting one on every side. 

Instar ominum , one example may serve for all. 

Inter nos , between ourselves. 

Ipse dixit , he said it; or, an assertion without proof. 

Item, also ; a particular. 

Jure divino , by divine law. 

Jure humano , by human law. 

Jus gentium , the law of nations. 

KaV exochen , by way of excellence. 

Labor ipse voluptas , labor itself is a pleasure. 

Lapsus linguae , a slip of the tongue. 

Xatetf anguis in herba , a snake is concealed in the grass. 

Legum Doctor , LL. D., doctor of law. 

Lex non scripta , the statute law of England. 

Zecc talionis , the law of retaliation. 

Lex terroe , the law of the land. 

Litera scripta manet , what is written remains. 

Locum tene7is , one who officiates for another. 

Locus sigilli , (L. S.) the place of the seal. 

Lusus naturae , a freek or sport of nature ; a phrase ap¬ 
plied to anything extraordinary in the physical or animal 
world. 

Magna Charta , the great charter of English liberty, 
obtained at Runnymead, A. D. 1215. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


53 


Magna est veritas , et prevalebit , great is the truth, and 
it will prevail. 

Magnis componere parva, to compare great things with 
small. 

Major Domo, the steward of a house; one who lays in 
provision for a family. 

Memento mori , remember death. 

Memoriae sacrum , (M. S.,) sacred to the memory. 

Mens consci recti , a mind conscious of integrity. 

Mens scina in corpore sano , a sound mind in a sound 
body. 

Meum et tuum , literally, mine and thine; applied to the 
rights of property. 

Minutiae , literally, trifles; but generally applied to the 
details ot any business. 

Mircibile clictu , wonderful to relate. 

More majorum , in the manner of our ancestors. 

Multum in parvo, much in little ; a great deal in a few 
words. 

Mutatis mutandis , after making the necessary allow¬ 
ance. 

Mutato nomine de tefabula narratur , l< Change but the 
name, the tale is told of you.” 

Me plus ultra , to the utmost extent. 

Ne quid nimis , carry nothing too far. 

Me sutor idtra crepidam , literally, “ Let not the shoe¬ 
maker go beyond his last.” Let none attempt what is 
beyond their powers. 

Mem. con. (nemine contradicentej) Mem dis , (nemine 
dissentiente^) without opposition. 

Memo me impune lacessit , no one shall provoke me with 
impunity. This is the motto of Scotland, and of the 
Knights of the Thistle. 

Mo ( numero ,) number. 

Mole?is volens , with or without consent 
e2 


54 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Noli me tang eve, don’t touch me. 

Non compos mentis , not sound in mind. 

Non est inventus , he has not been found. A law phrase 
indicating that a person has absconded, or is not forth¬ 
coming. 

Non sequitur , literally, “It does not follow.” A phrase 
applied to any flaw in argument. 

Noscitur a sociis , a man is known from the company he 
frequents. 

Nota bene , (N. B.,) take notice. 

Obiter dictum , a thing said in passing. 

0 tempora ! 0 mores ! Oh the times! oh the manners ! 

Onus probandi , the burden of proving. 

Ore tenus , by word of mouth. 

Otium cum dignitate , leisure with dignity. 

jP. M. (post meridian ,) afternoon. 

jP. JP. JO., {propria pecunia dedicavit,) with his own 
money he dedicated it. 

Par nobile fratrum, a noble pair of brothers. 

Passim , everywhere. 

Particeps criminis, an accomplice. 

Pater Patrice, the father of his country. 

Peccavi, literally, “ I have erred.” I have cried peccavi, 
means, I have acknowledged my transgressions. 

Per fas et nefas, through right and wrong. 

Per saltum, by a leap. 

Per se, by itself; of its own nature. 

Petitio principii, begging the question. 

Poeta nascitur non fit, a poet is born and not made, 
that is, no amount of mere study can make a poet. 

Posse comitatus , the collective force of a county or shire. 

Prima facie, at the first blush. 

Primum mobile, the impulse of first motion which puts 
all other parts into activity. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


55 


Pro avis etfocis , for civil and religious rights. 

Pro bono publico, for the public good. 

Pro hac vice , for this turn. 

Pro rata , in proportion, or according to what one can 
afford. 

Pro re nata , as occasion shall arise. 

Pro rege lege , et grege , for the king, the laws and the 
people. 

P'o tempore , for a time. 

Probatum est, it is tried and proved. 

Punicafides, Carthagenian faith ; that is treachery. 

Q. E. D., (Quocl erat demonstrandum ,) which was to 
be proved. 

Quantum mutatus ah illo , how greatly changed (for 
the worse) from him. 

Quantum sufficit , enough, sufficient. 

Quantum valuit , as much as it was worth. 

Quasi dicas , as if you should say. 

Quidnunc? what now? Applied to news hunters. 

Quoad hoc , as far as this is concerned. 

Quid pro quo , a mutual consideration. 

Quondam , formerly. 

Quot homines , sentential , so many men, so many 

opinions. 

warranto ? by what authority ? 

ifora avis in terris , a rare bird on the earth. 

Reductio ad absurdum , showing the absurdity of a 
contrary opinion. 

Re infecta , the affair being left unfinished. 

Resurgam , I shall rise again. 

the country in town; a situation partaking 
of the advantages of both. 

Scandalum magnatum , scandal of the peerage. 


56 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Scripsit, wrote it. 

Sculpsit, literally, “He has engraved.” A phrase in¬ 
scribed by engravers and sculptors on their works. 

Sic itur ad astra, this is the way to immortality. 

Sic transit gloria mundi, so passes the glory of the 
world. 

Sine die, without mentioning any particular day. 

Sine qua non, an indispensible requisite or condition. 

Siste Viator, stop, traveler. 

Suaviter in mo do, fortiter in re, mild in manner, but 
resolute in purpose. 

Subpoena, a summons to attend a court. 

Sub silentio, in silence. 

Sui generis, of its own kind, peculiar. 

Summum bonum, the chief good. 

Suurn caique, give every man his due. 

Tabula rasa, a smooth tablet. A phrase apjfiied to a 
mind, or anything else that is a mere blank. 

Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis, the times 
have changed, and ourselves along with them. 

Teres atque rotundas, smooth and round; something to 
which no objection can be made. 

Toties quoties, as often as. 

Toto coelo, literally, “ By the whole heavens,” entirely 
or diametrically opposite. 

Ubi supra, where before mentioned. 

TJlt ultimo, on the last, (day or month understood.) 

Ultimatum, a final answer. 

Una voce, unanimously. 

Utile dulci, a union of the useful with the agreeable. 

Vade mecum, literally, go with me. A guide-book. 

Veni, vidi, vici, I came, I saw, I conquered. Ciesar’s 
brief notification of his victory over Pharnaces. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


57 


Verbatim , word for word, literally. 

Versus, (V.) against. 

Vi et armis , by force of arms. 

Via , by the way of. 

Vice versa , the reverse. 

Videlicit , (viz.,) namely. 

T7vct voce, by word of mouth. 

"Focc et prceterea nihil , words, and nothing more. 

Focc populi vox Dei , the voice of the people is the 
voice of God. 

137. Colossus of Rhodes. 

A brass statue of Apollo, seventy cubits high, erected 
at the port of Rhodes in honor of the sun, and esteemed 
one of the wonders of the world. Built by Charles of 
Lindus, disciple of Lysippus, 290 B. C. It was thrown 
down by an earthquake 224 B. C., and was finally de¬ 
stroyed by the Saracens on their taking Rhodes A. D. 
672. The figure stood upon two moles, a leg being ex¬ 
tended on each side of the harbor, so that a vessel in full 
sail could enter between. A winding staircase Tan to the 
top, from which could be discerned the shores of Syria, 
and the ships that sailed on the coast of Egypt. This 
statue had laid in ruins for nearly nine centuries, and had 
never been repaired; but now the Saracens pulled it to 
pieces, and sold the metal, weighing 720,900 pounds, to a 
Jew, who is said to have loaded 900 camels in transporting 
it to Alexandria.— Dufresnoy. 


138. 


ADDITIONS. 


In stories ot ancient Rome, we often read of the rich Falernian wine, 
what can you say of it ? 

It is a wine much celebrated by the ancient poets, par¬ 
ticularly Horace and Virgil, richer and sweeter than the 
wine Italy produces at the present day. 

Who first sold tea at retail in London? 

Thomas Garway, about 1660 . His house was the daily 
resort of merchants and noblemen, as he recommended it 
for the cure of all disorders. 

How do the Japanese use tea ? 

They grind it to a powder, as we do coffee, then place 
before the company the tea things, and a box of this finely 
powdered tea. The cups are then filled with warm water, 
and as much tea as will lie on the point of a knife is thrown 
into each cup, and stirred until the liquor begins to foam. 
The Chinese take tea thrice a day; it is always offered to 
guests, and forms a portion of every sacrifice to their 
idols. 

What is Chicory ? 

A plant chiefly cultivated in Germany, and its roots’ 
dried and prepared,-are ground and mixed with coffee. 

Describe the labors of the Coral Insect? 

They commence their operations at about sixty or eighty 
feet below the surface of the water, on the ruins of some 
rock or volcanic mountain. The outer wall emerges first 
above the water, and into the pool thus formed seeds are 
drifted, which take root in the coral and spring up. This 
reef is composed of lime, which the insects secrete from 
the salt water, and cement together with an animal sub¬ 
stance contained in their own bodies. 

What did Sir Charles Lyell find when surveying the Isthmus of 
Panama? 

He placed a number of these little insects in shallow 
water, and a few days afterwards, he found they had glued 
themselves to the bottom of the pond. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


59 


What is limestone? 

# 

It is composed of shells, corals, and the labors of secret¬ 
ing insects. 

Of what is mountain limestone composed ? 

It is composed of the shells of the terebratula, a mollusk 
found in the coal period. 

Of what is Pinbeck marble composed, and for what is it used ? 

It is composed of fresh water shells, and is used for 
columns, monuments, and for the pavement of some of the 
churches and cathedrals in England. 

What can you tell me respecting the German limestone ? 

It is made entirely of the shields of animalcula, so small 
that as many as forty-one thousand millions lie in a cubic 
inch, and this limestone is fourteen feet thick. 

How are clays made ? 

By the disintegration of granite and similar other rocks, 
consisting chiefly of alumina and silica chemically com¬ 
bined. 

Are clays of various colors ? 

Yes; the red are colored by being impregnated with 
oxide of iron, the black by vegetable matter, and the 
white from colorless felspar. 

What is loam? 

A mixture of sand and clay. 

What is marl ? 

Clay mixed with lime. 

What is Felspar ? 

It is composed of flint and clay, mixed with a little 
potash, iron, and lime. 

What is sand ? 

It is flint, earth, or quarly reduced to grains. Larger 
fragments are called pebbles, and in England shingles. 

What is coal ? 

What we call coal is nothing else than ferns, mosses, 


60 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


and sea weed, petrified beneath the surface of the earth 
in the absence of air. 

What is the first article of furniture a Chinaman buys ? 

His own coffin, which is a very expensive affair. 

When was trade first opened with the Chinese ? 

In the year 1596 the first vessels were sent out, but as 
they were lost in their passage out, another attempt was 
made in 1634 to establish a trade in Canton, but the 
Chinese opposed. The East India Company succeeded 
about the year 1684. 

What is the cause of the glaciers of the Alps and Pyrenees ? 

The snow that accumulates upon the summits of moun¬ 
tains, and by its own weight, assisted by thaw and frost, 
is consolidated in immense masses of great thickness. 
The Mere de Glace, in the Yale of Chamounix, is the 
finest glacier in Switzerland. 

What is gamboge ? 

A vegetable juice of the finest color, brought to Europe 
in a concrete state, from Cambodia, India. 

What is kali? 

A marine plant used in making glass. The mixture of 
an alkali with unctuous substances makes soap, and with 
flinty earth for glass. 

What is sago ? 

It is produced from the pith of the landan tree, which 
grows in the Eastern Islands, and resembles the palm. 
The tree is cut down, the trunk cloven asunder, the pith 
taken out, and reduced to a powder by pounding it in a 
mortar with a pestle until it resembles meal. It is then 
made into a paste, dried in a furnace, when it becomes fit 
for use. 

What are sponges ? 

Marine substances found in the sea, adhering to rocks 
and shells, supposed to be the habitation of some animal. 

Where do the best sponges come from ? 

They are brought chiefly from the states of Barbary and 
Constantinople. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


61 


For what are they used ? 

Both in the arts and surgical operations; also by sad¬ 
dlers, and no lady’s toilet is now considered complete 
without bath and sponge. 

Where do the best pearls come from ? 

From the Persian Gulf and Ceylon. Divers are em¬ 
ployed in March, April, August and September, to fish up 
oysters. The pearls are formed by a disease of the 
animal. 

Which are the perfect metals ? 

Gold and silver; so called because they lose nothing 
from the heat of the fire. 

What is an imperfect metal ? 

One which decreases by the heat of the fire, and can be 
easily dissolved or corroded by acids. 

What is Vermicelli? 

A composition made of flour, cheese, eggs, sugar, and 
saffron. It is used by the Italians for making soup, and 
by other countries more generally for puddings. 

What is Mohair ? 

A stuff made from the hair of the Angora goat. It is 
sometimes called camblet. There are two kinds; the one 
which has a glossy and watered look, is calendered, the 
other is rough and plain. 

What was the Sorbonne ? 

A society of Ecclesiastics at Paris, founded by Robert 
de Sorbon, in 1252. They lived in common, and devoted 
themselves to study and gratuitous teaching. Their judg¬ 
ment was frequently appealed to from the fourteenth to 
the seventeenth centuries, but the influence of the Sorbonne 
was on the wane when the society broke up in 1789. 

When was Solomon’s Temple built ? 

The foundation of this beautiful temple was laid at 
Jerusalem 480 years after the deliverance of the children 
of Israel from Egygt, 1012 B. C. It was solemnly dedi¬ 
cated by Solomon to Jehovah, on Friday, October 30, 
1004 B. C., 1000 years before the birth of Christ. 

F 


62 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Describe a winter in Siberia and Lapland ? 

A recent traveler gives the following account: June 23, 
snow melts; July 1, snow gone; July 9, fields quite green ; 
July 17, plants at full growth; July 25, plants in flower; 
August 2, fruits ripe ; August 10, plants shed their seed ; 
August 18, snow. The three seasons of spring, summer 
and autumn, are together only fifty-six days, or eight 
weeks, while the winter is forty-four week in duration. 

What is the meaning of the word Amen ? 

In the Hebrew language it means true, faithful, certain, 
and is as old as that language. It has been generally used 
in Christian and Jewish churches, at the conclusion of a 
prayer, and means “ so be it,” 


What can you say about the Amethyst ? 

It is of a rich violet color, and, according to Plutarch, 
takes its name from its hue, resembling wine mixed with 
water. When it was first discovered is not known. An 
Amethyst occupied the ninth place upon the breastplates 
of the Jewish high priest, and the name of Issachar was 
engraved upon it. 

Who were the Anchorites ? 


They were analagous to the Fakirs, who imposed 
voluntary punishments upon themselves as atonement for 
sin, thinking it acceptable to God, often putting them¬ 
selves to dreadful tortures. Many of the early Anchorites 
lived in deserts and caves. Paul, Anthony, and Hilarion 
were the first Anchorites. 


What is Brazil wood ? 

It is a red wood, used by dyers, brought from the Brazils, 
in South America. 


What do you mean by macadamizing a road? 

Making it of granite and flint, broken into fine pieces. 
It was invented by Mr. McAdam, and called after his 
name. 

What are flints ? 

Hard stones, commonly found among chalk, of different 
sizes. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


63 


"What is tripoli ? 

• ^ earth y texture, formerly brought from Tripoli, 

m Africa. It is now found in Germany. 

What are tiles ? 

. Thin brick made of clay, moulded, and dried or burnt 
in a kiln. 

What are slates ? 

. A stone which splits into thin plates, and used instead of 
tiles in England for covering houses. 

How are writing slates made ? 

A dark, solid slate is chosen, split, and smoothed with 
an iron instrument. 

From what are the pencils made used in cyphering? 

They are made from a particularly soft slate, and are 
split by a particular instrument. * 

Who is said to have introduced the fashion of wearing hats? 

Charles VII., of France. He made his public entry 
into Rouen, wearing a hat lined with red velvet, with a 
plume of feathers. This was in 1449. 

Is there any reason to suppose there existed any species of plants now 
unknown ? 

Yes; upwards of 300 species of plants have been ascer¬ 
tained to have existed in the coal formation, many at this 
time unknown. It is inferred that there may have been 
grasses and mosses at the early era, and many species of 
trees, the remains of which had lost all trace of organic 
form before their substance sunk into the mass of which 
coal is formed, as experiments show that some great classes 
of plants become decomposed in water much sooner than 
others; and it is remarkable that those w T hich decompose 
soonest are of the classes found most rarely, or not at all 
in the coal strata. 

What celebrated characters lived in Queen Elizabeth’s reign? 

Mary, Queen of Scots, Roger Ascham, Crichton, Spen¬ 
cer, Philip Sidney, Shakspeare, Walsingham, Sir Francis 
Drake, Lord Burleigh, and the Earl of Essex. 


64 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Mention the inventions of her reign ? 

Coaches and reins first common in England, stops in¬ 
troduced in reading and writing, pocket watches* first 
made, paper made from linen rags, first newspaper pub¬ 
lished, and silk stockings first worn. 

What is Bronze composed of? 

Copper mixed with tin. Bronze must have been known 
to the ancients, as Homer tells us that in the Trojan war 
the combatants had armor made of bronze. 

What is an Elector? 

In law, any one who has the right of giving his vote at 
an election, particularly at an election of a member of 
Parliament. In political history, an elector was the title 
of each German princes as formerly had a voice in the 
election of the Emperor of Germany. 

T^hat is the Chrisleu ? 

The ninth month of the Jewish year, answering to the 
latter part of November and the beginning of December. 

What is the Basilisk ? 

A harmless species of lizard, with piercing eyes, and a 
white spot on its head, remarkable for its brilliancy. 
Amongst the ancients it was a kind of fabulous serpent, 
called a cockatrice, said to be produced by a cock’s egg, 
hatched by a serpent, and supposed to kill by its breath 
or sight only. 

Why is Allspice so called ? 

From its flavor, which unites that of the cinnamon, of 
the nutmeg, and of the clove. 

Why is the feast of All Saints, or All Hallows observed ? 

In commemoration of the Saints in general, and on that 
day, in Catholic countries, fresh flowers and immortells 
are placed above the graves of the dead, and they are 
sprinkled with holy water afresh, and prayers are said for 
the repose of their souls. All Saint’s day is kept on the 
first of November, Gregory IV., in 835, having appointed 
that day for its celebration. 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


65 


What were the Agrarian laws ? 

They were Roman statutes which forbade the possession 
of more than a certain extent of land by any single indi¬ 
vidual. The law of the Romans, called by way of emi¬ 
nence the Agrarian law, was published by Spurius Cassius 
about the year of Rome 268 , enjoining a division of the 
conquered lands, in equal parts among the citizens, and 
limiting the number of acres that each might enjoy. 


/ 


f2 


PRINCIPAL EVENTS 

FROM THE CREATION TO THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 


What is the first event recorded in the Bible ? 

The creation of the world. 

Relate the principal events that occurred before the flood? 

Death of Abel, birth of Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, 
Jared, Enoch born and translated, Methuselah, Lantech, 
Noah and Shem, and the death of Adam 3704 B. C. 

What is the date of the Deluge ? 

2348 B. C., when ended the antediluvian period. 

Relate the principal events in the century after the flood ? 

Aaphaxad born, Saleh, Heber, and Peleg born. The 
dispersion of mankind after the building of the Tower of 
Babel, and celestial observations made at Babylon. 

What kingdoms were founded about this time ? 

The Chaldsean Monarchy, founded by Nimrod or Belus; 
the Chinese, by Tohi; and the kingdom of Egypt, by 
Misraim or Menes, the son of Ham; the kingdom of 
Assyria, founded by Askur, and the kingdom of Sicyon 

Name the first cities built after the flood ? 

Memphis, Babylon, Sidon, and Ninevah. 

/ 

When was Abraham born? 

About 1996, and the other events in this century are: 
Destruction of Sodom, birth of Isaac, and his marriage. * 

What events in profane history? 

The subjugation of the Elamites, or Persians, by Se- 
miramis, the beginning of the kingdom Urgos, and the 
invention of the alphabet by Memnon, an Egyptian. 

What can you say of the next century ? 

Joseph is born and is sold into Egypt. 



TO KNOWLEDGE. 


67 


When did Joseph die? 

About 1635 B. C., having ruled Egypt eighty years. 

What occurred in 1556 B. C? 

Cecrops settles in Attica, and in the same century the 
kingdohi of Troy was begun; the Deucalion deluge in 
Thessaly, and the Amphictyon Council was held. Moses 
was born, goes into Midian, where he remains forty years. 

Will you give me the principal events of the next century ? 

The children of Israel leave Egypt, the law given to 
Moses, the death of Moses, the Israelites enter Canaan, 
Joshua dies, and is succeeded by Caleb. In profane 
history, the founding of Sparta by Lacedaemon, Thebes 
founded by Cadmus, and the conquests of Sesostris, or 
Ramses the Great. 

Relate the events of the twenty-seventh century ? 

The history of Ruth commences, the foundation of the 
kingdom of Mycenae laid, and the Labyrinth of Crete 
constructed by Minos. 

When was the city of Tyre built ? 

In the next century the Heraclidae driven from Tiryus, 
and the Argonautic Expedition was undertaken. 

When was the siege of Troy ? 

In the twenty-ninth century, jEneas begins the Latin 
kingdom, accession of Agamemnon, calling of Samuel, 
and death of Samson, &c. 

Relate the principal events of the thirtieth century ? 

Saul anointed king, his death; David king, Solomon 
succeeds him, and the temple begun. In profane history, 
the death of Codrus, and end of the kingdom of Athens, 
Smyrna founded. In the next century Solomon dies, the 
kingdom of Israel divided, Rehoboam succeeds as king of 
Judah, and Jeroboam of Israel; Homer flourished, and 
the Thracians obtain the empire of the Mediterranean, 
Agesilaus king of Sparta, Samaria built. 

Relate the events of the thirty-second century ? 

Jehoshaphat and Ahab at war with Benhadad, transla¬ 
tion of Elijah, the Syrian war, Jonah prophecies; death of 


68 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


Elisha, Heriod flourished, Lycurgus establishes his laws, 
the city of Carthage founded by Dido, the Cyprians 
masters of the sea. 

Relate the events of the thirty-third century ? 

Isaiah begins to prophecy, kingdom of Israel ended, 
Tobit carried to Assyria, destruction of Sennacheribs’ 
army. In profane history, Syracuse founded, Pythagoras 
victor at the Olympic games, Tarentum founded by the 
Spartans, the Ephori instituted, Theopompus king of 
Sparta, the Medes under Arbaces revolt against the Assy¬ 
rians, the city of Rome founded, the Romans and Sabines, 
Romulus dies, and Numa succeeds him. 

When was Manasseh carried to Babylon ? 

The next century. Judith kills Helofernes, Josiah king 
of Judah, Jeremiah the prophet, and the book of the law 
read, and the passover kept by Josiah; he is slain at 
Megiddo by Pharaoh ISTecho, the Jews taken captive. 

What events in profane history ? 

Second Messenian war, the kingdom of Egypt divided 
into twelve parts, the Labyrinth commenced, and Babylon 
united to Nineveh, Pisistratus Archon in Athens, birth 
of Thales of Miletus, Cyrene founded, the legislation of 
Draco, Sappho flourished, and the first calculation of 
eclipses by Thales of Miletus, Nineveh destroyed by 
Nabopolassar. 

What are the events of the thirty-fifth century ? 

Jehoiakim king of Judah carried to Babylon by Nebu¬ 
chadnezzar, Ezekiel prophecies, fall of Jerusalem, the 
kingdom of Judah ended, the Temple burned, Daniel in¬ 
terprets the king’s dream, Palestine a province of Persia, 
return of exiles to Jerusalem, edict of Cyrus for rebuild¬ 
ing the temple, Haggai and Zechariah prophets, second 
edict to build the temple, which is soon finished and the 
Passover held. 

And what events of profane history ? 

Solon, Archon and lawgiver; the Court of the Areo¬ 
pagus instituted, the Pythian games first celebrated at 
Delphi, birth of Pathagoras, Anacreon flourished, birth 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


69 


of Simonidies of Cos, and Chilo at Sparta, Ionia con¬ 
quered by the Persians, the Phocians settle in Gaul, a pub¬ 
lic library founded at Athens by Hippias and Hipparchus, 
Miltiades, son of Cimon, Archon at Athens; vote by Os¬ 
tracism introduced, Alexander I king of Macedon. 

"What events in Roman history during this century ? 

Money first coined at Rome, first census at Rome, and 
the first alliance between Rome and Carthage. 

What in eastern nations ? 

Cyrus was born, Astyages, or Aliasuerus, king of Media; 
Solon and HCsop at the court of Crsesus, king of Lydia; 
Cyaxares II., or Darius, king of Media; Cyrus becomes 
king of Media and Persia, Darius, the Mede, conquered 
by Cyrus; Babylon taken, Belshazzar slain, end of the 
kingdom of Babylon, and Sardis burned by the Athe¬ 
nians, which occasioned the invasion of Greece. 

In what century was the battle of Marathon fought, and what were 
the principal events of that century ? 

In the thirty-sixth century, the Persians defeated by 
Miltiades; Pindar flourished, and Hippias; the Ostracism 
of Aristides, surnamed “ The Justbattles of Thermopylae 
and Artemisium, battle of Salamis, battle of Plataea, and 
Mycale : birth of Thucidydes, and Socrates; Hiero, of 
Syracuse; birth ofDemocrites, and Hippocrates; Herodo¬ 
tus at the Olympic games, sacred war about the temple of 
Delphi; Phidias, sculptor; Peloponnesian war, plague at 
Athens, the “ Thirty Tyrants ” in power, the Ionian alpha¬ 
bet adopted, the “ retreat of the 10,000” under Xenophon. 

And what events in sacred history ? 

Ezra sent by Artaxerxes from Babylon to Jerusalem, 
the defeat of Hainan’s plot, the Feast of Purin instituted, 
the history of the Old Testament ends, and Menasseh 
begins the temple on Mount Gerizim. 

Relate the principal events in the history of Rome ? 

The battle of lake Regillus, the Decemviri created, laws 
of the “ Twelve Tables,” a great famine in Rome, and the 
siege of Veii. 


VO 


LITTLE STEPPING STONES 


"What events in Persia, and other eastern nations ? 

Sardis was burnt, Zoroaster in Persia, Xerxes I of 
Persia, Egypt revolts from the Persians, Hannibal made 
General of Carthage, the command of the Persian aimy 
given to Cyrus II; he is slain at the battle of Cunaxa. 

When was the first Samnite war ? 

342 B. C. In the same century Rome and Latium were 
at war, the Etruscan war broke out, and the Colossus of 
Rhodes was erected. 

What were the principal events in Jewish history? 

Judea was under the Persian Satraps, Ptolemy Soter 
carried 400,000 Jews into Egypt, and Simon beautifies 
Jerusalem and surrounds it with walls. 

What events of interest can you relate in Grecian history ? 

Socrates put to death, battle of Corinth, Plato present, 
birth of Aristotle and Demosthenes, battle of Leuctra 
gained under Epaminondas, Praxiteles, the sculptor, 
flourished; accession of Philip II. king of Macedon, birth 
of Alexander the Great, Alexander the Great succeeds 
Philip, he passes the Hellespont, battle of the Granicus, 
Alexandria founded, battle of Arbela, Epicurus at Athens, 
and Euclid, the mathematician, flourishes. 

When did the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes arise? 

In the next century, about 291 B. C. 

What other events are of interest during this century ? 

The Septuagint translations of the Old Testament, and 
Palestine seized by Antiochus. In Grecian history we find 
the birth of Archimedes, rise of the Acbtean League, the 
four schools of philosophy under Strabo, Zeno, Epicurus, 
and Arcesilaus flourished, and first Roman embassay to 
Greece. 

What can you say of Roman history ? 

The first sun-dial was erected at Rome, and the time 
divided into hours, in this century; silver first coined in 
Rome, the Romans conquer Sardinia, the Temple of Janus 
closed, Hannibal crosses the Alps, the Scipios in Spain, 


TO KNOWLEDGE. 


71 

gold coined in Rome, Scipio goes into Africa, and is joined 
by Masinissa, and the Gauls invade Italy under Hamilcar. 

What events of sacred history are of interest in the next century ? 

Antiochus Epiphanes takes Jerusalem and plunders the 
Temple, martyrdom of the Maccabees, treaty between the 
Jews and Romans, Simon takes the citadel of Jerusalem, 
the history of the Apocrypha ends, Antipater Procurator 
of Judea, Herod the Great becomes ruler, Archelaus king 
of Judea, Herod rebuilds the Temple at Jerusalem, 
Agrippa goes into Judea, Herod builds Caesarea, and our 
Saviour Jesus Christ born. 

When was Greece declared free ? 

About 196, and during this century Philip dies, the 
Boeotian League is dissolved, the kingdom of Macedon 
terminates, Corinth is destroyed, and Greece desolated by 
the Romans. 

What transpired in Rome and Italy during this century ? 

The first library was founded in Rome, formed of books 
brought from Macedon, Carthage is destroyed by Scipio, 
birth of Sulla, Scipio joined by Jugurtha, the Jugurthine 
Avar begins, birth of Pompey and Cicero and Julius Caesar, 
first Methndatic war, war with Spartacus begun, Cicero 
consul and denounces Catiline, birth of Augustus, the 
first Triumvirate, Caesar goes into Britain, the battle of 
Pharsalia and death of Pompey, Caesar is made Dictator 
for life, is assassinated March 15, 44 B. C., aged 59, the 
battle of Actium, death of Antony and Cleopatra, and 
Egypt becomes a Roman province, the Temple of Janus 
closed a third time, Rome at the height of glory, Livy 
ends his history, Tiberius commands in Germany, Augus¬ 
tus corrects the calendar, Tiberius returns to Rhodes, and 
Galba born. 


V 























